Dr Siene Oluwatosin Orogun, a Public Health Physician with interest in Sexual and Reproductive Health has cautioned against the use of sex-enhancing drugs without consultation with a certified health care provider to ensure safety and effectiveness .
Checks and survey conducted in the last three days on some patent medicine dealers(Chemist) in PortHarcourt by revelationagents.com indicates that the demands for sex enhancing drugs especially among the Youth and subsequent sales is on the increase few few hours to Valentine’s day, also known as Saint Valentine’s day originally set aside to honour a Christian martyr known as valentine which many young people now misinterpret as a day of having compulsory sex with their lovers.
Saint Valentine’s Day is a Christian feast celebrated worldwide 14th of February each year.
However,Dr. Orogun in an exclusive interview with revelationagents.com asserted taking sex-enhancing drugs can have various immediate and future negative effects on one’s health and well-being.
She said the impacts vary depending on the type of drug, dosage, individual health status, and other factors.
The medical personnel who classified the potential negative effects into immediate and future listed it as follows
Immediate Negative Effects
1. Cardiovascular Issues: Some sex-enhancing drugs can increase heart rate and blood pressure, posing risks, especially for those with heart conditions.
2. Headaches and Dizziness: Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and flushing.
3. Digestive Problems: Some individuals may experience nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion.
4. Priapism: This is a prolonged, often painful erection that can last for hours and requires medical intervention to prevent damage to the penis.
Future Negative Effects
1. Dependency and Psychological Effects: Regular use can lead to dependency, affecting sexual confidence and creating a reliance on the drug for sexual performance.
2. Interactions with Other Medications: Long-term use can interact adversely with other medications, potentially leading to serious health issues.
3. Hormonal Imbalance: Some products may interfere with the body’s natural hormone production, leading to imbalances.
4. Cardiovascular Health Risks: Extended use, especially without medical supervision, can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions.
She further adviced those considering Sex-Enhancing Drugs to consult a Healthcare Professional:
She said “It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any sex-enhancing drug to understand the risks and ensure it’s safe for you, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
“Consider the Relationship Impact: Open and honest communication with your partner about sexual satisfaction and concerns is essential. Relying solely on drugs to please a partner might not address underlying relationship or personal issues.
“Explore Alternatives: Look into non-pharmaceutical ways to enhance intimacy and sexual satisfaction, such as therapy, lifestyle changes( regular exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake), Nutrition ( studies have shown that fruits and food like banana, tiger nuts, snot apple aka Gorontula, watermelon, pineapple , avocado, fenugreek, etc boost libido) and exploring new methods of sexual expression and foreplay.
“Educate Yourself: Understand the potential risks and side effects of any drug before use. Misuse or abuse of these drugs can lead to severe health consequences.
“Ultimately, the decision to use sex-enhancing drugs should be made with careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, and ideally, in consultation with a healthcare provider. Fostering a healthy and open dialogue with your partner about sexual health and satisfaction can also help in finding the best solution that respects the well-being of both partners.
“So there are conditions under which someone might consider taking sex-enhancing drugs typically revolve around addressing specific sexual health issues. However, it’s important to note that these drugs should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional , i.e should only be prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for the individual’s health status and circumstances”.
The Public Health Physician also listed some conditions and considerations for taking sex-enhancing drugs:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
– Primary Use: The most common reason for taking sex-enhancing drugs is to treat erectile dysfunction. ED is a condition where a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
– Diagnosis: A healthcare provider should diagnose ED, ruling out underlying causes that may require different treatments.
Premature Ejaculation
– Some drugs and treatments may be prescribed to delay ejaculation for individuals who experience premature ejaculation, significantly affecting sexual satisfaction for them and their partners.
Low Libido
– In cases where low libido is due to hormonal imbalances or other treatable conditions, doctors may prescribe medications to help increase sex drive. However, this is less common and typically involves a thorough medical evaluation.
Hormonal Imbalances
– For some individuals, particularly those undergoing menopause or andropause (sometimes referred to as male menopause), hormonal therapy may be prescribed to enhance sexual function.
Conditions for Consideration
– Medical Evaluation: Before taking any sex-enhancing drug, one should undergo a medical evaluation to identify any potential risks or contraindications based on their health history and current condition.
– Medication Interactions:It’s crucial to consider other medications being taken to avoid adverse interactions. For example, men taking nitrates for heart conditions should not take certain ED medications due to the risk of severe blood pressure drops.
– Psychological Factors: Addressing psychological factors contributing to sexual dysfunction, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, is also important. In some cases, counseling or therapy may be recommended alongside or instead of medication.
– Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle changes, such as exercising, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and improving diet as discussed above can also enhance sexual function and may be recommended before or in conjunction with medication.
Dr.Orogun