From hushed whispers in market stalls to bold online advertisements, the demand and conversation around aphrodisiacs, popularly known as sex enhancers, have taken a new dimension.
Sadly, findings show that the quest for enhanced pleasure and a heightened sense of self-confidence has driven human behaviour for centuries. More worrisome is the fact that locally manufactured ones have flooded the market. Apart from the Bruntashi , you will find names such as Coco Samba, Jekonmo, Mudet, Japata, Monkey Tail, and Koboko or Konda.
Adamu confirmed that the products were unregistered, highly unsafe due to dangerous ingredients used in the preparations, and an eyesore because of the blatant use of pornographic pictures on the packages.Although urologists say registered ones, if prescribed by a qualified doctor, can be used by a patient, they also insist that normal people had no business using enhancers.
John, who stays away from his family by the time he arrives home on Friday evening, is physically and mentally drained. Although John acknowledged the risks, he said:"The first few times I used it, I had severe headaches and migraines. So now I take it in moderation--a spoonful once a week when I'm going home. But I've become dependent on it. Without it, I feel like I can't meet my wife's needs."
He added:"I take a great amount of sex enhancers to maintain my sexual prowess," he told Vanguard confidently. While the girls insisted they were tired of being driven to death in the name of sex, Isaac said all he needed to be okay was to ejaculate. "When a woman complains too much, you won't want her to look elsewhere. When she told me about her friend who was having a good sex life, and that her husband used sex medications, we decided to get the drugs.
Sadly, access to these enhancers that should have been restricted to only those that have conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, are available to every Tom, Dick and Harry to explore. He explained further:"Then, he said a sachet costs about N100 but advised me to go there with N 150. My girlfriend at the time was doing her national service.
According to the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Christianah Adeyeye, a Libido enhancer/aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire or is used to make sex more attainable and/or pleasurable. Niran expressed concern about the dangers of unregulated aphrodisiacs widely available on the streets."These substances often contain undocumented impurities. Users risk immediate and long-term health complications, including priapism--a painful and prolonged erection that can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly," he explained."It's becoming common to see patients with priapism caused by these substances.
While acknowledging that some individuals genuinely require medical treatment for erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, Niran stressed that most users of aphrodisiacs do not fall into this category."For someone without sexual dysfunction, there is no need for enhancement. These substances should not be used without medical advice, especially not because of hearsay," he added.
"Trust your natural abilities, and if you have genuine concerns, consult a medical professional, instead of resorting to unsafe substances." However; it ultimately advances to addiction and other serious, risky behaviours such as substance use and engagement in multiple sexual relationships. It also found that during sexual activity, there can be a penile fracture due to abnormally prolonged sexual activity, and could alter natural sexual desire due to excitatory disruptions caused by the aphrodisiac substances.Responding to regulatory activities concerning aphrodisiacs in Nigeria, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof Christianah Adeyeye, said users were pushing themselves to death.