Demographics and sexual characteristics of sex-enhancing medication users: Study of a web-based cross-sectional sample of sexually active men

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the frequency of sex-enhancing medications (S-EM) use and to investigate the demographics and sexual characteristics of the S-EM users amongst a Saudi Arabian male population.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional sample of 1176 Saudi Arabian men was recruited using a web-based survey between 1 January and 1 April 2015. The survey included multiple open and closed questions to assess the frequency of S-EM use; and demographics, clinical, and sexual characteristics of S-EM users, as well as their perceptions of S-EM.ResultsAmongst the participants, 1008 were sexually active and included in the data analysis. Of the sexually active participants, 402 (39.9%) reported S-EM use in the form of herbal or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors at some time in their lives. Comparing S-EM users with S-EM non-users, the S-EM users had a number of demographic and sexual characteristics including: higher education level, higher income, smoking, more than one sexual partner, longer sexual activity duration, higher frequency of sexual intercourse, and lower sexual satisfaction level. Most of the S-EM users (82.1%) bought S-EM without a medical prescription and 62.5% had used them recreationally. In all, 52% of respondents used S-EM to treat ED and 69% of those who used it recreationally reported enhancement of erection with S-EM usage.ConclusionsDemographic and sexual characteristics of S-EM users and the attitude of the users towards the S-EM were identified amongst a Saudi Arabian male population.

Evaluating Factors Associated with the Use of Aphrodisiacs among Adult Male Residents in Ashaiman Municipality, Ghana

“…A probable reflection that, the educated men are more likely to access and understand information regarding the possible side-effects from the use of these drugs, hence the low usage rate. This finding, however, contradicts a study in Saudi Arabia which indicated that there is high consumption of sex enhancing medications among highly educated males compared to those with a lower educational attainment [16]. This difference could be attributed to the difference in study settings and the difference in access to information on aphrodisiacs where the study was conducted.…”

“…Similar information was provided in a study investigating the indiscriminate use of sex enhancing products among Ghanaians, where 61% of males were found to be using these drugs [15]. A lower prevalence (26%) was, however, reported by Makwana et al, (2013) in an online based survey [16]. A similar trend of high usage has been reported by Ahmed et al, (2017) which found that most (67.2%) of sex enhancing medication users were aged ≤ 45years.…”

“…These individuals often use the drugs when there is no diagnosed disease but just to enhance their sexual prowess without due cognizance of the health implications from chronic usage. A further probe into the source and nature of the aphrodisiacs used revealed about 72.4% of these substances were obtained from the open markets and drinking bars [16]. It is important to note that 24.2% of the aphrodisiac users were consuming herbal aphrodisiacs with an alcohol base.…”

Determinants of Sexual Functionality Among Men Who Utilize Sex Enhancing Drugs

“…The study found that a majority of the participants are aged between 30 to 49 years at 37(55%). This is similar with another study done in Saudi Arabia in which those asking for SEDs tended to be young men aged between 30 and 40 years (Ahmed et al 2017). Similarly, a study done by Harvard health publishing reported in May 2014 in which about half of the men aged 40 -70 had some degree of sexual dysfunction (Harvard publishing, 2014).…”

“…This is largely because educated men were able to reflect and respond appropriately to the questionnaire. A study done in Saudi Arabia stated that it is not surprising as these educated men have higher levels of knowledge and awareness on the availability of SEDs (Ahmed et al 2017). This group of men was able to afford and purchase SEDs.…”