Bee pollen provides a mixture of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, hi addition to claims that it improves the skills of athletes, bee pollen is said to help shrink an enlarged prostate. In some, it may cause a serious allergic reaction. Many males are allured by the tempting offers and testimonials published in many ads and newsletters: "Thank you—it works"; "My wife also appreciates how it cured me and turned our sex life around"; "To think of how long I suffered needlessly"; "Greater flow of urine"; "No more pain."

Everyone would love to have access to a magic pill that would eliminate all kinds of pain and suffering, especially when the problem could lead to one's demise. But no such pill exists, and it probably never will. In the meantime, all too many men out of despair are willing to try anything or believe anyone in order to relieve their anxiety and distress.

Clinical verification of the so-called wonder cures has not been provided. In the rare instances where there are apparently verified claims of improvement from macrobiotic diets and other nutritional approaches and nontraditional therapies, it could very well be an example of the placebo effect. In addition to wasting hard-earned money on products that have not been tested and approved by creditable agencies, there are possible dangers associated with using unproven remedies: allergies, urinary irritation, diarrhea, sleeping problems, nervousness, skin irritations, mental disorientation, and, in some cases, even breast enlargement. Several years ago, the U.S. Postal Service challenged many of these products sold through the mail, claiming that they were misleading the public with false advertising, and banned them from the mail. In 1990, the Food and Drug Administration said it would ban the sale of all nonprescription drugs used to treat the prostate gland.