…To be continued from Special Report On Sexual Enhancement Drugs Common Among Nigerian Men (Part One)

PART TWO

Factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol level and inactivity, he stated, have led to upsurge in cases of erectile dysfunction in men; adding that this makes them to look for quick fix in aphrodisiacs.

“Some men are not aware that age or physiological factors can affect that aspect of their life. From the age of 40, the sex life of men declines, and they tend to look for ways to boost it.

“Anytime I have patients dealing with issues of low sexual performance at that age, I let them know it is a normal phenomenon. If men accept that having low libido is natural and that it comes with the aging process, they won’t be unduly worried and die unnecessarily.

“Surprisingly, even the most educated man gets so worried and craves to always be sexually active,” Omonaiye said.

Blaming the upsurge in the use of aphrodisiacs on societal expectations from men, the medical practitioner said the drive behind it all is the hunger to fit in as a “real man.” He also lamented that the tendency for men to desire to measure up to some perceived standard is a huge problem associated with the fad.

“Most men lie about their conquest and exaggerate their ability to last longer in bed. It is very easy for those referred to as ‘two-minute men’ to boast that they can last for two hours in bed with a woman. Of course, he can get away with such unsubstantiated claims because it is rare for two men to be present during a sexual act.

“The stupid ones will, however, go away with the impression that the character is a super stud and embark on a dangerous mission to match the two hours by experimenting with several sex-enhancing drugs. Some randy men also use aphrodisiac to sustain their promiscuous lifestyle,” Omonaiye said.

The physician also blamed the rising use of aphrodisiacs on the influence of internet and pornography. “People watch adult movie and want to be like the actors, without realising that the scenes are make-belief.”

Highlighting the health implications of taking aphrodisiacs, the medical practitioner said most people are unaware of their health status. He noted that some men that have never exercised in their life take sex-enhancing drugs and, in most cases, above the recommended dosage. “Of course, with this, you know danger lurks,” he said.

“Added to this is the consumption of alcohol, which also causes erectile dysfunction. What do you think will happen to a hypertensive man, with high cholesterol level and weakened heart, wanting to go on several rounds of sex? Virtually anything could happen,” he warned.

The expert said another dangerous practice is that people combine various brands to get maximum impact, noting that the most dangerous are the locally made herbal mixtures that have infiltrated the country.

He said, “The danger in it is that nobody knows their composition. Some will use this local mixture alongside the orthodox drug. The fact that it is desirable to have a satisfactory sex life doesn’t mean anyone should die.

Dr. Omonaiye said, ideally, men should seek medical advice before using sex-enhancing drugs, stressing those aphrodisiacs should, ordinarily, not be easily accessed without a doctor’s prescription.

The expert called for strict control over production, distribution and sales of every type of aphrodisiac by relevant authorities. “There is an urgent need for the government to embark on sensitization campaigns that will focus on the dangers these aphrodisiacs portend to promising young men and the elderly,” he said.

Mr. Ekeh, a pharmacist, said he was saddened by the “disturbing trend.” “For some men, it is a show of their masculine strength or virility. Most men want to prove that they are in charge and can satisfy their partner’s sexual desire. Sadly, in doing this, some forget that age is no longer on their side or that they have underlying health conditions to deal with.”

Corroborating Omonaiye’s earlier stance attributing rise in use of aphrodisiacs to pornography, the pharmacist said it was worrisome that adult movies have become a norm among young and old men.

“What spiked the craze for these sex-enhancing drugs is the need to fit into today’s evolving modern way of living, which exposes them to various vices on the internet. Our men have become lost in that make-belief world and fantasize, forgetting that the characters are just acting out their scripts. The male actors can go on and on, all in the guise of satisfying the female. Sadly, our people have translated it into real life.

“After watching these movies, some women become aroused and want to attain orgasm at all costs. Bent on satisfying their women and not having that natural stamina anymore, some men resort to sex enhancers.”

Ekeh, who is also a counsellor, said principally, aphrodisiacs have two broad classes of actives used to manage erectile dysfunction, while there are also other types that are under the class of tricyclic antidepressants.

“Others are a lytic cocktail of unknown actives; yet there are those said to be organic or herbal.

Most men that take these drugs don’t even know they have underlying health condition that predisposes them to danger. Any man that has blood pressure issues should stay away from aphrodisiacs.

“This is why hypertensive patients are usually advised to see a physician before exercising. The check will reveal if their heart can withstand rigorous activities.

“Sex is a very rigorous exercise and any man who is hypertensive and uses aphrodisiac is likely to die through a heart attack. These drugs are hard on the heart.”

Another General Practitioner, Dr. Edward Chukwurah, said “some men have foolishly chosen the worst way to die,” wondering why the craze to satisfy a woman in bed should be the only thought occupying “the head of a responsible man.”

“There is a price of medical emergency or death. Some people go about boasting about their prowess in bed. Those selling and promoting these drugs will also claim a user can last through the night.

“But here, people take all manner of drugs and have a prolonged erection that leads to medical emergencies. Most people are hypertensive and have never been to the hospital for a check. This category might just hear an ordinary gunshot and die from shock without getting hit by a bullet.

“Some just take these strange drugs because their friends are hooked on them and it ends up adversely affecting their physiology. This is the same way people take drugs to enlarge their penis, breasts and buttocks, and end up traumatising their blood vessels and other vital organs.

He, however, maintained that it is both a medical and social problem, stressing that people must be enlightened about the dangers in consuming unwholesome drugs.

“Even the common Paracetamol has its own side effect – the liver is punished. It is sad every male wants to play the superman. It is a big problem,” he enthused.

Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan reporting for INTEGRITY NEWS.