The growing use of sexual enhancement drugs among men is raising alarm among health experts following reports that some users have allegedly died from complications linked to the substances.
For many men, the desire to impress their partners or meet perceived expectations in intimate relationships has become a source of pressure, pushing some to resort to performance-enhancing drugs without medical guidance.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist Dr Zaziwe Gunda says this pressure is one of the major factors behind the trending use of sexual enhancement products.
According to Gunda, many men consume the drugs without prescriptions from qualified medical practitioners, exposing themselves to serious health risks.
Products such as Kifaru, Viagra and various energy drinks have become popular among men seeking enhanced sexual performance.
The dangers, however, appear to be real.
In the past three months alone, at least four men have reportedly died during intimate encounters after allegedly taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Mental health experts say the problem goes beyond physical health.
One of them, Jefferson Milanzi, who is a National Coordinator at Abambo Tibe Khonde Mental Health Initiative, says many men feel immense pressure to satisfy their partners, leading them to seek quick solutions through enhancement drugs.
Milanzi urged men to openly discuss such concerns and seek professional counselling and medical advice instead of self-medicating.
The issue has attracted attention at the highest levels.
Speaking at Mulakho wa Alhomwe some years ago, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika cautioned young men against the use of sexual enhancement herbal products such as Gondolosi, warning that they could have harmful effects on health.
Meanwhile, the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority has warned the public against using sexual enhancement medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
By Victoria Solijala
