Portia Nyaaba, an advocate for youth voices and girl-child education, has raised alarming concerns about the use of aphrodisiacs among young people. According to her, a recent survey of youth conducted by her team as part of an academic exercise revealed that many are using these substances to enhance sexual performance rather than address any medical issues.
“What young people are doing with these aphrodisiacs is using them to enhance their sexual performance. It’s not that these are individuals with erectile dysfunction or other sexual dysfunctions, which was the initial rationale behind these products. They are strong young men.”
Available at pharmacies and local markets, many youths are openly purchasing these products, influenced by peer pressure and societal expectations.
“They are sold openly, and young people are not questioning what they are using them for. There are other aphrodisiacs on the market made from various herbs, and they are using those without hesitation. They don’t hide it at all.”
The study was conducted in parts of the Central Region.
Madam Nyaaba highlighted that young men are often motivated to prove their masculinity in response to comments from peers and partners regarding their sexual performance. This pressure drives many to seek out aphrodisiacs, sometimes combining them with energy drinks for added effect.
“We discovered that peer pressure plays a significant role. They want to show their peers that they can last for two hours, which they equate to being a man. Additionally, some girls tell the guys they are not performing well, comparing them to others who last longer, calling them ‘one-minute men,’ which hurts their egos. They feel that if there is something they can take to avoid being labeled as such, they will go for it to prove themselves. It’s all about peer pressure and pressure from the opposite sex.”
However, the risks associated with these substances are significant. Health professionals warn that prolonged use can lead to severe long-term effects on vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, as well as increased heart rates and blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.
“During our engagement, we had the opportunity to speak with public health professionals, and one of the standout points was the long-term effects that aphrodisiacs can have on our liver and kidneys. They can cause serious damage over time. Increased heart rate and blood pressure are also major concerns. Someone could actually use an aphrodisiac and suffer a fatal incident during sexual activity because their heart rate is elevated and they are exerting themselves.”
She emphasized that despite these dangers, many young people remain unaware of the potential health implications, viewing the consumption of aphrodisiacs as a normal part of social life.
The issue is compounded by a lack of regulatory oversight, as these products are easily accessible in open markets. “During our engagement, we found that most young people do not even realize that their actions have health implications. They think they are just having fun. It’s viewed as normal, especially since these products are openly sold in markets where elders pass by, and there are supposed to be regulations in place, yet nothing is being done.”
According to Madam Nyaaba, she aims to sensitize the youth of the Upper East Region through her organization, Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana, to create widespread awareness about aphrodisiacs and their implications. “I’m a youth advocate with Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana. We organize campaigns in rural areas every year, focusing on sensitization exercises for menstrual hygiene, sexual and reproductive health rights, and other issues. With what I’ve learned, I plan to meet with my team here and possibly present this to the management of Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana to see how we can proceed.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1 MHZ|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
