Sexual Enhancing Practices Among Men in the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Area

Abstract

Sexual enhancing processes are methods whereby drugs or certain practices are used to improve sexual function and behavior. Some of the processes include using drugs to enhance erectile function or prevent premature ejaculation, as well as using aphrodisiacs to increase sexual arousal and desire.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the sexual enhancing practices among men in Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Area (LEKMA). This study ascertained the level of use of sexual enhancers, reasons for use, types used, sources of sexual enhancers and the local perceptions governing their use in LEKMA.

A mixed method using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 conveniently selected sexually active men aged twenty to thirty-nine years at the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Area. For the qualitative method. two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were done. Data was collected using an interview-administered structured questionnaire for the quantitative study and an interview guide for the focus group discussions.

From the study the level of use was 41.8%. 'The most common sexual enhancers the respondents used were Viagra. dragon spray, AK·47, ginseng, recharger, anafranil, Jamaican stone. alcoholic beverages (e.g. 'alemuda', 'alomo', herb afrik, 'joy dadi', mandingo and 'okramankoti') and other herbal concoctions (e.g. mahogany or neem concoctions), Others also used some foods and physical exercises to enhance sexual performance. Main reasons for using sexual enhancers were; premature ejaculation (OR=3.015 95%, CI 1.059.8.586), satisfying partners (OR=2.l81 95% Cl 1.052-4.078), performance anxiety (OR=1.820 95% CI 1.002·3.080), achieving hard erection (OR' 0.883 95%. Cl 0.216-3.598) and curiosity (OR=0.723 95% Cl 0.308-1.698). Socio-demographic variables like age, religion. marital status occupation had the tendency to influence a man to either use sexual enhancers or not.

From the study. the main sources of sexual enhancers were friends(peers),drug peddlers and pharmacy shops.

The study also found out some local perceptions governing the use of sexual enhancers: one of such perceptions was that sexual enhancers makes sexual intercourse very pleasurable hence both man and woman become sexually satisfied.

A larger survey or nationwide research should be conducted to ascertain the level of use of sexual enhancers, reasons for use, types used, sources and local perceptions governing their use so as to form the basis for the formulation of policies to address the indiscriminate use of sexual enhancers by the youth.