Hidden dangers of sex-enhancing drugs
In medical world, sex-enhancing drugs are known as aphrodisiacs. They are foods, drinks, or other things that stimulate sexual desire.
Aphrodisiacs are commonplace, and they can be purchased in any standard pharmacy. However, what many people don’t know is that sex-enhancing drugs can send them to the great beyond, as was the case of a middle-aged man, simply identified as Samson.
Samson was found dead in a hotel room at Ugboroke in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State after allegedly taking an overdose of sex-enhancing drug. Even in death, his penis was still standing erect!
What went wrong? Let experts tell us!
Liver & kidney damage
According to the authorities at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, aphrodisiacs have chemical substances that are dangerous to the body’s vital organs such as liver or kidney. Once damaged, these organs can be difficult to repair, and death may result.
Other side effects of aphrodisiacs include stuffy nose, headaches, stomach pain, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, memory problems, back pain, an inability to differentiate between the colours green and blue, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, and dizziness.
Hypotension
A former NAFDAC Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, notes that while aphrodisiacs truly intensify and prolong sexual performance because of increased blood flow to the genitals, it could also result in hypotension — that is a drop in blood pressure. When blood pressure drops, physicians say it is even more dangerous than hypertension, as it takes quite a lot of efforts to restore it to normal level.
Risks of stroke, infertility, etc.
Experts warn that if you love to use sex-enhancing drugs, you risk non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cancer, and liver cirrhosis.
Other side effects include the development of fewer red blood cells (anaemia), which may ultimately result in dizziness, severe headaches and unconsciousness.
Your prostate gland may also become enlarged, making it difficult for you to urinate.
Regular use of aphrodisiacs may also lead to infertility, and you may be unable to father a child of your own.
Allergic reactions
Sometimes, users of aphrodisiacs may suffer allergic reactions such as irregular heartbeats, loss of vision, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Loss of sex drive
Another frustrating thing about aphrodisiacs is that, in the long run, they do the exact opposites of what you want them to do! One of such is that they decrease your ability to get erection naturally; and even after prolonged use, your body gets used to it, such that it’s no longer effective. That’s the time people resort to higher dosage, which may lead to death!
Drug interactions
Sex-enhancing drugs may interact badly with other drugs you may be taking! And that’s why you don’t take any drug — including aphrodisiacs — without doctor’s prescription.
For instance, physicians warn that you may not take aphrodisiacs if you are using antibiotics, antifungals, high blood pressure drugs, drugs for prostate disorder, heart or blood pressure medications, hepatitis C medications, or HIV/AIDS medicines.
In case of emergency
During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and go see the doctor right away!