Viagra, a sex-enhancing drug, has been on the rise in Kenya, particularly in lodges and Airbnbs. Sadly, this trend has increased deaths, with some lawmakers among the casualties.
On December 29th, 2020, a 59-year-old man died in a lodge in Ntimaru Town Kuria West after allegedly taking sex enhancers, but failing to achieve intercourse when his partner claimed to be menstruating. Another incident occurred in January 2021, where a 35-year-old man died while in the act with his partner in Dandora, allegedly due to the use of Viagra.
Viagra is a medicinal drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, prescribed in doses ranging from 25mg to 100mg depending on the severity of the dysfunction. However, it should only be used under the prescription of a doctor as it can have dangerous side effects. Dr. Godfrey from St Mary’s Medical Clinic in Karanja warned that prolonged use of Viagra without a doctor’s prescription can lead to back pain, muscle pain, nasal congestion, headache, dizziness, stroke, and even heart attack, which can be fatal.
Despite these dangers, many men are resorting to using Viagra to improve their performance in bed. Some chemists in Kenya sell Viagra without a prescription, making it accessible to many, particularly in low-income areas like Kibra. In an interview with Pamoja FM, Joel Otieno, a Kibra resident, admitted to seeking alternative measures to boost his performance, such as chewing roots and eating groundnuts.
However, it is concerning that many young people buying the drug ignore the probing conducted by pharmacists and opt to buy elsewhere when a doctor’s prescription is requested. The rise in Viagra use is a worrying trend, and educating people on the dangers of using the drug without proper medical guidance is essential.
