The Reason So Many Men Stop Taking ED Prescriptions... And What They’re Replacing Them With

The untold story behind prescriptions

For years, prescriptions like Viagra® and Cialis® have been the go-to answer for men struggling with performance. And while these drugs can be effective, what’s rarely discussed is how many men actually stop taking them.

In fact, research shows that up to 57% of men discontinue ED prescriptions — citing reasons like cost, side effects, or dissatisfaction [Carvalheira et al., 2012]. Another study found that even when the drugs worked, nearly 1 in 4 men quit because they didn’t want to feel dependent on a pill [Kim et al., 2014].

It’s a hidden truth: while these medications may help in the moment, they often fail to provide men with what they really want: long-term confidence, control, and freedom.

The cost of dependency

Prescriptions are designed to give a temporary boost by amplifying nitric oxide signals already in the body. But if your body isn’t producing enough nitric oxide in the first place, the effect can be inconsistent.

That’s why some men describe the experience as a cycle of anxiety: Will it work this time? What if I’m let down again? Instead of restoring confidence, it can create a new form of dependence — needing to plan around a pill before every intimate moment.

And it’s not just about intimacy. Side effects like headaches, flushing, and even changes in blood pressure can make men question whether the short-term benefits are worth the long-term trade-offs.

Shifting focus to the root cause

Increasingly, men are starting to ask a different question: Instead of managing the symptoms, why not address the underlying issue?

That issue, according to a growing body of research, is often declining nitric oxide production. This natural compound, sometimes called the “master switch” of circulation, gradually diminishes with age, diet, and stress. As nitric oxide levels fall, so does blood flow, energy, and performance.

And unlike prescriptions, which only work if enough nitric oxide is already present, certain natural approaches focus on restoring the body’s own ability to produce it, therefore targeting the root cause of performance issues. 

The natural shift taking place

Instead of relying on a pill before every intimate moment, more men are turning their attention to something far more fundamental: restoring circulation through nitric oxide support.

Nitric oxide is the molecule that tells your blood vessels to relax and open up, allowing healthy flow throughout the body. Without enough of it, performance suffers, regardless of the strength of desire. 

Where prescriptions try to amplify a weak signal, natural approaches aim to rebuild the signal itself.

What the research shows

Several human trials have tested natural nitric oxide precursors — primarily L-citrulline and L-arginine.

• In a meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials, men supplementing with arginine saw significant improvements in erectile function compared to placebo [PubMed, 30770070].
  
• Another study found that citrulline improved erection hardness in 50% of participants after just one month — compared to only 8% on placebo [PubMed, 21195829].
  
• When combined with antioxidants like pine bark extract, results were even stronger, with some trials reporting a return to normal function in the majority of men [PubMed, 12851125].
  

This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about giving the body the raw materials to naturally restore circulation.

A path to freedom

For many men, the biggest difference isn’t just physical, it’s psychological. Instead of planning around a pill, there’s a quiet relief in knowing their body is working more reliably on its own.

The change isn’t usually dramatic overnight. It tends to be gradual — a little more energy in the mornings, less fatigue in the evenings, and increasing confidence when it matters most.

It’s a shift away from dependence and toward freedom — freedom to feel in control, freedom to feel youthful, freedom to focus on connection instead of worry.

What to look for

For men exploring nitric oxide support, experts recommend looking for a supplement that includes:

• L-citrulline: a more efficient precursor to nitric oxide
  
• L-arginine: the direct substrate for nitric oxide production
  
• A synergy ingredient (such as beetroot or pine bark) for added vascular support
  
• Transparent dosing and GMP testing to ensure purity and effectiveness
  

Bottom line

Prescriptions have their place. But for many men, they’re not the long-term answer they hoped for. That’s why so many are walking away — and looking instead for ways to restore circulation naturally, at the source.

Recommended Nitric Oxide Supplements

If you’re considering natural ways to support nitric oxide production, circulation, and overall vitality, here are some of the most talked-about supplements available online today. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks, but all align with the research mentioned above.

#1 — SuperBeets® Heart Chews
What it offers: Beetroot + grape seed extract for nitric oxide and cardiovascular support.
Pros: Established brand, convenient chew format, research-backed ingredients.
Cons: High sugar content, taste not for everyone, more expensive than capsules.

#2 — Rooted Nitric Oxide Capsules
What it offers: L-Citrulline, L-Arginine, and AAKG to directly support nitric oxide production.
Pros: Clean-label, transparent dosing, discreet capsule format, GMP tested.
Cons: No added antioxidant support (like grape seed or pine bark).

#3 — Zhou Nutrition Nitric Oxide
What it offers: A mix of arginine, citrulline, and beet root for circulation support.
Pros: Affordable, easy to find on Amazon, includes both major precursors.
Cons: Mixed reviews on effectiveness, requires multiple capsules per day.

#4 — NOW L-Arginine 1000 mg
What it offers: High-dose single-ingredient arginine tablets.
Pros: Trusted supplement brand, very cost-effective, straightforward formula.
Cons: Limited results compared to full blends, large tablets may be difficult to swallow.

#5 — Double Wood L-Citrulline
What it offers: Pure citrulline capsules for nitric oxide support.
Pros: Third-party tested, COA transparency, good option for stacking.
Cons: High capsule count required for effective dose, no synergy ingredients.