Health

Sexual stimulants: Men inevitable journey to their early graves

Published

4 years ago

November 9, 2021

Maclawrence Famuyiwa

As we aged, our sexual drive significantly reduces. This is most noticeable in women after menopause. But as menopause is true in women so is andropause true in men. Andropause though not commonly mentioned but was coined from two Greek words “andras (human male)” and “pause (to stop, cessation)”. So, by definition andropause is a syndrome associated with a decline in sexual satisfaction or a reduction in the feeling of general well being as a result of low levels of testosterone in older men.

This literarily means that both men and women will all start to have potency issues as we reach certain age. But this age varies from one person to the other. So, it is common that when this occurs, especially in men, they resort to the use of sexual enhancement drugs to improve their performances between the sheets, so as to sexually satisfy their partner(s) and to remove the toga of being referred to as a lesser being by their sexual partner(s).

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Sexual dysfunction in men is not only their inability to achieve erection but it includes a gamut of other signs and symptoms associated with the inability to achieve sexual intercourse. The list includes premature ejaculation, retrograde, retarded or inhibited ejaculation, orgasmic disorders, failure to return to calmness after sexual arousal, reduced libido and compulsive sexual behavior.

There are ample examples of sexual stimulants. Viagra (sildenafil) was the first pharmacologically approved medication to treat sexual dysfunction. Though researches into finding such pharmacological products predated Viagra by many millennia. These drugs are also called aphrodisiacs an adaptation from ëAphroditaeí, the name of the Greek goddess of love.

Aphrodisiacs are synthesized from plants animals or minerals. Many natural substances, though with little or no scientific evidence, like yohimbine, mandrake plant, rhinoceros horns and “Spanish fly” are being used as aphrodisiacs. So also are some food substances like strawberries, raw oysters, chocolate, coffee and honey are believed to have some aphrodisiac properties.

In Nigeria, carpolobia lutes, commonly called “poor man’s candle or “cattle stick” is commonly used to treat male erectile disorders and to ease birthing by traditional healers. It is called Egbooshunshunby the Yorubas, Angalagalaor Agba(Igbo), Ikpafun/Ndiyan/Nyayanga(Ibibio) and AbekpokIbuhu(Eket). Derivatives from this plant are also used to treat malaria, inflammation, arthritis and worm infestation.

Burantashi, a Hausa word meaning “penis get up”, is acommonly used powder by the Hausa-Fulani to treat erectile dysfunction. It is from the bark of the African tree Pausinystaliajohimbe. This powder is also commonly used to garnish a local delicacy called “suya’ in Nigeria. It’s active ingredient is the earlier mentioned alkaloid yohimbine. It is called agboidiagbon by the Yorubas.

Another wave making sex stimulants of late is called Kayanmatameaning “women things” in Hausa, these are for women. The male version of this is “maganinmaza”, which means “men potions”.

Locally produced aphrodisiacs are so popular in Nigeria, that they are hawked as “paraga”, burantashi” etc., in all manner of places, from street corners, to filling stations to big malls etc., and even sold over the internet. They are unashamedly bought and used with the presumption that it had little or no side effects.

However, researches have shown that these aphrodisiacs have serious side effects, especially, after prolonging their use They can result in abnormal sperms production and consequently, male infertility. They can also cause heart attacks and other potential serious heart problems, as well as mini-strokes, vision and hearing losses. It can as well cause blood pressure to drop to a dangerously low level and some even make blood sugar levels to precipitously become too low leading to coma and many a time death.

It is thus imperative to point out in concluding this article and without mincing words with it, that sex stimulants when used over a long period of time may eventually cause a total loss of penal erection and even death. This fact is not far fetched, since there are daily reports of men dying on top of their lovers after fortifying themselves with sex enhancers with the thinking that the more they function on bed, the more manly they are. But to the wise amongst men, never go beyond nature to sexually satisfy any woman, your life is more important.

Punch

Related Topics:graves inevitable journey Sexual stimulants: Men

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Health

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Published

4 days ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) on Thursday staged a protest at the NAFDAC office in Isolo, Lagos, demanding the reversal of the agency’s ban on sachet and PET-bottled alcoholic beverages. The union claims the ban contradicts a directive reportedly issued by the Federal Government, and they want production lines that were sealed to be immediately reopened.

The protesters, including manufacturers, distributors, and industry workers, argued that the enforcement of the ban threatens jobs, livelihoods, and the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on sachet alcohol sales. During the demonstration, union members handed a petition to NAFDAC officials, urging dialogue and a more balanced approach that safeguards both public health and the food and beverage sector.

NUFBTE cited alleged instructions from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, claiming that NAFDAC should suspend enforcement. The union said continued closure of production lines and restriction of alcohol sales would lead to economic hardship and widespread job losses.

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However, NAFDAC rejected the claims, with Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stating that no federal directive has instructed the agency to halt the ban. In a statement, the regulator described circulating reports as “false” and “misleading,” emphasizing that its actions are within statutory authority and in line with official government policies.

“NAFDAC has not received any formal directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities concerning sachet alcohol,” the statement read. The agency reiterated its commitment to public health protection, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety, warning the public and industry stakeholders to rely on verified information from official channels.

The ban, implemented earlier this month, targets alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200ml, a measure aimed at reducing unregulated alcohol consumption and protecting vulnerable groups. While the policy has faced backlash from workers and businesses, NAFDAC maintains that it is necessary for national health and safety.

The protest underscores the tension between regulatory enforcement and economic concerns, as workers continue to call for inclusive policymaking and engagement with industry stakeholders to mitigate the impact on jobs and local businesses.

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Health

NAFDAC Clarifies: No Government Directive to Halt Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

Published

5 days ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

NAFDAC Clarifies: No Government Directive to Halt Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government ordered a suspension of its enforcement activities against sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages, describing the reports as “false and misleading.”

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency clarified that it has not received any formal communication from the Federal Government instructing it to halt regulatory or enforcement operations. NAFDAC stressed that all its actions are carried out within its statutory mandate and guided by existing laws and official government directives.

“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the Agency from the Federal Government,” the statement read. Prof. Adeyeye reiterated that enforcement of regulations on sachet alcohol remains active and any changes to national regulatory policies would be officially communicated through authorised channels.

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NAFDAC warned that the spread of unverified information can cause public confusion, economic uncertainty, and misinterpretation of government policy. The agency urged the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to rely only on verified information released via its official platforms and government communication channels.

The clarification comes amid ongoing concerns over the public health risks of sachet alcohol, which has been associated with poisoning incidents and misuse, particularly among young people. NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, ensuring compliance in the food and beverage sector, and maintaining national interest while carrying out its regulatory duties.

The agency’s statement underscores that all enforcement operations targeting unsafe alcohol products will continue without interruption, aiming to safeguard consumers and uphold public safety.

NAFDAC Clarifies: No Government Directive to Halt Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

Health

FG Ends ‘No Work, No Pay’, Clears January Salaries After 84-Day JOHESU Strike

Published

6 days ago

February 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako

FG Ends ‘No Work, No Pay’, Clears January Salaries After 84-Day JOHESU Strike

The Federal Government has officially lifted the “No Work, No Pay” directive imposed during the 84-day nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for all affected health workers.

The decision followed the suspension of the industrial action after a successful conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU leadership, prompting the union to direct its members nationwide to resume work in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution reflects the government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness, and the protection of Nigeria’s health workforce.

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“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. This resolution demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector,” Salako said.

The minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by health workers during the prolonged strike and assured JOHESU members that no worker would be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the action.

“Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no reprisal will follow the industrial action,” he added.

Salako further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions, noting that discussions would continue on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

He disclosed that the Federal Government has committed to making provisions for the proposed salary adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act, in line with the recommendations of the existing technical committee template.

“The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 budget framework reflects our seriousness about achieving sustainable solutions for the health workforce through concrete policy and budgetary actions,” the minister stated.

He commended the spirit of cooperation and patriotism displayed by all parties throughout the negotiation process and reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to uninterrupted, quality, and accessible healthcare services nationwide.