Rising demand for unregulated sex enhancers in Nigeria is fueling a silent epidemic of organ damage, infertility, and emotional trauma, health experts warn.
Nigeria’s booming market for sexual performance enhancers is leaving a growing number of young men and women with devastating health complications. Despite erectile dysfunction cases projected to hit 320 million globally this year, experts warn Nigeria’s contribution is worsening due to widespread use of fake or unregulated products.
The Guardian reports cases like 28-year-old Osas, who developed priapism after prolonged pill use, and Ajeibi, whose attempt to revive her marriage with tightening creams resulted in severe infections. Another user, Isa, suffered nerve damage from herbal enlargement oils.
Doctors link these cases to misinformation, peer pressure, and irresponsible advertising. “Most of the time, the negative effects of unregulated sex boosters without medical supervision do not occur immediately, but may manifest 10 to 20 years later,” said Dr. Apata Kehinde.
NAFDAC recently intercepted billions of naira worth of counterfeit enhancers, yet the trade thrives online and in street shops, pushing many into cycles of dependence, infertility, and marital breakdown.