This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Kenyan Men's Hidden Epidemic: Sex Drug Addiction ¶
Kenya is facing a growing public health concern as a recent study reveals a shocking 500% increase in registered sex-enhancing drugs in the country. The study, led by Dr. Peter Ongwae, a pharmacist, found that men aged 40 and above are the most affected by this epidemic.
According to Dr. Ongwae, the number of registered sex-enhancing drugs increased from 11 in 2013 to 56 in 2018. These drugs are outselling popular painkillers like Panadol, with 95% of study participants reporting some level of sex dysfunction.
The study, published in the Global Journal of Health Science, found that 55% of the participants were aged between 30 and 49, while 80% of men above 40 years of age suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction. The team also found that a third of the participants had underlying chronic health conditions that may be causing their poor sex health.
Dr. Ongwae expressed concern over the lack of data on who is using these medicines, why the spike, and the impact on public health. He also warned that up to 24% of the population is living with high blood pressure, and 5% are at risk of developing diabetes.
The study found a significant number of participants consumed alcohol, with a clear link between the use of sex pills and alcohol consumption. A similar finding has also been made among the Ariaal community of Northern Kenya, showing men with more wives were less likely to suffer sexual dysfunction.
For the third time in as many years, the issue of bicycle riding as a cause of male impotency came up in this study, which covered Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties. Two earlier studies among bicycle boda boda operators in Bungoma and Eldoret reported that men who cycled for long periods were nine times more likely to become impotent compared to non-cyclists.
Dr. Isaac Wamalwa, a practicing consultant gynaecologist in Nairobi, who had done the Bungoma study, said most young men undertaking vigorous biking exercises or cycling boda bodas for long hours may be gradually losing their manhood.
