Consumption of Sexual Enhancement Pills Common –Pharmacists

There is huge demand for sexual enhancement pills and supplements in Kampala, according to a mini survey conducted by URN in selected pharmacies. Sexual enhancement pills are herbal supplements that purport to increase pleasure during sex, erection or stamina for both men and women.

They are imported from countries like Germany, China, South Africa, India and the UK. In the case of men, the supplements increase the flow of blood to the penis, which leads to a stronger erection. Several pharmacies around Kampala are well stocked with the sexual enhancement supplements.

Most pharmacists and medical practitioners interviewed by URN pointed to the huge demand for the supplements especially from men. The pills are openly displayed and are either sold as a full dose or as per one's need.

A complete dose costs between Shillings 30,000 to 180,000 on average. 

The most common brands on the Ugandan market are Max Man Elite, Zentex, Man Active, Man Power, Extenze, Thunder, Libido Lady and Femix. In a number of pharmacies URN visited in Wandegeya and Mulago, all one needs to do is walk into the pharmacy and ask for male or female enhancement drugs even without prescription from a doctor. 

John Kiggundu, a pharmacist at Guardian Health Pharmacy, says on average they get around three people each day in need of the sexual supplements. George Menya, an employee at Friecca Pharmacy, says they get more people inquiring about the supplement compared to two years ago.

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Menya attributes the increased demand for the supplement to the acceptance of the condition by patients. "If you watch TV these drugs are advertised. Even on the internet. So, I think people have begun to come out and get treatment because they know many people need these products and they are not alone,” he said.

Ritah Kyomuhendo, a pharmacist at Dischem Pharmacy in Wandegeya, says their customers come from all walks of life. "We get all kinds of people in need of these drugs from garage mechanics to people who work in offices. We sell these drugs on a daily basis,” she said.

Dr. Charles Mugisa, a General Doctor at Kitante Medical Center attributes the increase in the number of people taking the pills to increased stress levels and masturbation.

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The supplements are also commonly used by people suffering from diabetes, hypertension, syphilis, prostate diseases, anxiety disorders and back injuries. It is common for advertisers to market the supplements as drugs that have the ability to increase on one's manhood; a claim Dr. Mugisa dismisses.

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Dr. Mugisa urges the consumers of the supplements to first visit a doctor to get a diagnosis to under the cause of their condition instead of resorting to self-medication. "Ugandans like self-medicating a lot and some people even self-medicate as far as these supplements are concerned but this is dangerous because they are likely to swallow strong drugs they do not need,” he said. 

According to Dr. Mugisa, consumption of the supplements can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness, indigestion, hearing loss and skin irritation.