By Francesca Hangeior

The abuse of sex-enhancing drugs among Nigerian youths has become a source of concern for urologists.

The physicians attributed the negative trend to a combination of factors, including societal pressure, misinformation, and the quest for sexual prowess.

The experts lamented that the high rate of use of sex enhancers had been linked to a surge in cases of a fractured penis.

The male reproductive experts said the use of sex enhancers had become rampant in recent years, with many men seeking to enhance their sexual performance.

The physicians revealed that there was an increase in cases of fractured penis in recent years, particularly among young men who use sex enhancers.

They attributed the trend to societal pressure, noting that many men feel compelled to perform sexually to meet societal expectations.

A Consultant Urologist, Dr Gabriel Ogah, lamented that many young men, in an attempt to meet unrealistic expectations set by pornography and societal pressures, have turned to dangerous, self-administered drug dosages to prolong erections and enhance their sexual performance.

Ogah noted that the increasing fixation on penis size and prolonged sexual performance, especially influenced by pornography, had resulted in young men seeking out drugs and other unregulated methods to achieve these unrealistic standards.

He revealed that one of the most commonly abused substances was tramadol, a medication that is typically prescribed by doctors for pain relief or to treat conditions like premature ejaculation.

While the recommended dose for tramadol ranges between 50 and 100 milligrams, Ogah pointed out that many young men in Nigeria have been taking up to 1,000 milligrams, which is ten times the prescribed amount, in a bid to sustain erections for prolonged periods.

Due to these unregulated practices, the urologist said he has observed a concerning spike in the number of young men seeking medical attention for penile fractures.

“In the past four years, I have treated more cases of fractured penises than I did in the previous 30 years combined,” Ogah said.

While the rise in such injuries is not formally documented, the doctor noted that it has been a consistent observation in his practice.

“Penile fractures occur when an erection becomes overly rigid and the penis is subjected to physical trauma or stress. In cases where men take excessive doses of sex-enhancing drugs, the prolonged, unnaturally sustained erections can cause the penis to become as stiff as a ‘cassava stick’, making it prone to breaking under even minimal pressure.

“When a man’s erection lasts for several hours without subsiding, it can result in serious damage to the penile tissue, leading to fractures and in some cases, permanent impotence,” he explained.

Beyond the physical injuries, the urologist said the misuse of sex-enhancing drugs has other long-term consequences.

He stressed that even when medical intervention successfully reduces the prolonged erection, the damage caused by overstressing the penis can render a man impotent permanently.

Such outcomes, he warned, could be devastating for men in their prime years, many of whom are unaware of the potential risks of self-medication and unregulated drug use.

Ogah called for increased public education and awareness about the dangers of unsupervised drug use and the unrealistic expectations fueled by pornography.

He emphasised the importance of proper medical guidance when dealing with sexual health issues.

He also warned that the pursuit of exaggerated sexual performance could lead to long-lasting, irreversible damage.

Also, a consultant urologist, Dr. Emmanuel Eze, noted that misinformation about sex and sexual health was a major contributor to the trend in the use of sex enhancers.

He further noted that the quest for sexual prowess was a major driver of the trend.

“Many men want to be able to perform like porn stars, but this is not realistic. Sex is not just about performance; it’s about intimacy, connection, and pleasure.

“Many men believe that sex-enhancers can cure all their sexual problems, but this is not the case. Many of these substances can have serious side effects and can even lead to addiction,” he stated.

The urologist emphasised that the use of sex enhancers is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.