Citrulline
Citrulline (usually L-citrulline, sometimes “citrulline malate”) is an amino acid supplement commonly used for blood-flow support and exercise performance. In the body, citrulline is converted into arginine, which is used to produce nitric oxide (NO)—a signaling molecule that helps relax smooth muscle and improve circulation. Because erections rely heavily on NO-mediated blood flow in penile tissue, citrulline often comes up as a relatively “light-touch” option people try for erectile support.
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This page summarizes anecdotal reports and community observations, not medical evidence. Reports may be incomplete, biased or inaccurate and are not medical advice or recommendations. “Risk” here refers to how frequently severe or prolonged symptom worsening is reported, not to proven causation or population-wide probability. Individual responses vary widely, and absence of issues in some users does not rule out significant reactions in others.
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Within PFS/PSSD/PAS communities, citrulline is discussed in relation to its potential interactions with nitric oxide signaling and vascular pathways. In the body, citrulline is converted into arginine, which is used to produce nitric oxide (NO)—a signaling molecule that helps relax smooth muscle and improve circulation. Because erections rely heavily on NO-mediated blood flow in penile tissue, citrulline's effects on nitric oxide production may interact with pathways involving vascular function and blood flow that are often discussed in relation to PFS / PSSD / PAS.
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Minor Symptom Improvements While in Use, With Low but Non-Zero Risk (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):
Among individuals with PFS, PSSD, or PAS, citrulline is most often described as producing situational or on-use benefits rather than lasting change. Some users report meaningful improvements in erection quality, blood flow, or physical arousal while actively taking the supplement, but these effects typically fade after discontinuation and are not described as correcting baseline sexual or neurological symptoms. Many others report little to no noticeable effect.
Citrulline is generally viewed as lower risk than hormone-active or strongly serotonergic substances, but it is not considered universally neutral. Reported downsides include vasodilation-related effects such as headache, flushing, reflux, lightheadedness, or feeling slightly “off,” particularly at higher doses or when combined with other vasodilators (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors or alcohol). Severe or lasting worsening is not a dominant theme in community reports, but individual sensitivity varies, leading many to frame citrulline as a symptom-support tool rather than a recovery intervention, best trialed cautiously and discontinued if it consistently worsens symptoms.
Evidence basis: community anecdotes and self-reports. No controlled studies specific to PFS, PSSD, or PAS.
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Public comments reflect individual experiences and opinions. They are not medical advice and may not be accurate or representative.