Doctors in new warning over sex drugs abuse

Kenya: Medical specialists have issued a fresh warning to Kenyans against abusing sex drugs that are easily available over the counter.

The warning comes amid increasing reports of Kenyans, including the youth and the elderly, using the drugs that are otherwise meant to be used with strict supervision of doctors to prevent sudden death or grave health complications.

Kenya Medical Association (KMA) National Chairman Elly Nyaim on Thursday expressed concern that many abusers of the popular drugs remain largely unaware of the high risks they face, including possible death from heart malfunction or serious damage to body organs.

The sex drugs in question include those already approved by the Government but have to be sold only through prescription.

There are also many fake or generic drugs that are illegally imported or manufactured in the country while others are marketed as 'natural' or 'herbal boosters'.

"We are seeing increasing cases of people just buying sex drugs off the counter from unscrupulous pharmacies to boost their sexual performance without knowing the risks.

"Those drugs should only be used in a very restricted manner after a thorough diagnosis by the doctor," said Dr Nyaim.

SEXUAL PERFORMANCE

Sex drugs usually work by significantly boosting blood supply to many parts of the body, including reproductive organs, to boost sexual performance.

Dr Sultani Matendechero, a clinical pharmacist in Nairobi, said some Kenyans who perceive their sexual performance to be low often feel 'embarrassed' to disclose their problem to doctors and decide to self-medicate.

Pharmacy and Poisons Board Registrar Kipkerich Koskei said high demand for such drugs is fuelling their illegal importation and sale in backstreets.