Consumption of aphrodisiac drugs without erectile dysfunction among men in the city of Dakar, Senegal: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: Sexual well-being is a key component of quality of life, yet the use of aphrodisiacs remains a largely understudied phenomenon in West Africa.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the sociodemographic characteristics, usage patterns, perceived effects, and product preferences of 218 adult men residing in Dakar who have consumed aphrodisiacs without presenting erectile dysfunction.
Methods: Data were collected via an anonymous, structured online questionnaire distributed through Google Forms.
Results: The majority of users were young adults aged 18–29 years, predominantly single and students, mirroring demographic trends reported in similar regional studies. Natural products were the most frequently used (41.7%), followed by pharmaceutical agents (35.3%), with 23% reporting a combined use of both categories. The most frequently perceived positive effects were improved sexual performance (67.2%) and increased endurance (57%), while 43% reported enhanced self-confidence. The main motivations for use were personal curiosity (36%), the desire to improve sexual performance (22%), and partner influence (23%). The most reported side effects included headaches, cardiac palpitations, and dizziness.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the cultural, behavioral, and psychological dimensions of aphrodisiac use and underscore the need for further research into its physiological, psychological, and public health implications.
Keywords: Self-medication, Natural aphrodisiacs, sexual enhancers, sexual health, substance use.
Keywords:
Self-medication, Natural aphrodisiacs, Sexual enhancers, Sexual health, Drug SubstancesDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v16i8.7910References
1. McCabe MP, Sharlip ID, Lewis R, Atalla E, Balon R, Fisher AD, et al. “Incidence and Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Consensus Statement from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015”. The Journal of Sexual Medicine,2016;13(2):144‑52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.034
2. Sandroni P. “Aphrodisiacs past and present: a historical review”. Clinical Autonomic Research, 2001;11(5):303‑7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02332975
3. Melnyk JP, Marcone MF. “Aphrodisiacs from plant and animal sources—A review of current scientific literature”. Food Research International, 2011;44(4):840‑50.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2011.02.043
4. Hanoune J. “Une histoire du Viagra”. Médecine Thérapeutique/médecine de la reproduction, 2005 ; 7(5), 365-365.
5. Ndombe, DM, Manun’Ebo, MF & Muleka BI. “Consommation Des Aphrodisiaques Chez Les adolescents Et Adultes À Kinshasa : Prévalence Et Facteurs Associés ”. European Scientific Journal, 2022; ESJ, 18(21), 245.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2022.v18n21p245
6. Alshahrani S, Ahmed AF, Gabr AH, Al Ansari A, El-feky M, Elbadry MS. “Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: Irrational use in Saudi Arabia”. Arab J Urol, 2016;14(2):94‑100.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aju.2016.03.003
7. DeLuca B, Haylee K. The Role of Friends and Peers in Emerging Adults’ Sexual Behavior. In: Elizabeth M. Morgan, and Manfred H. M. van Dulmen (eds), Sexuality in Emerging Adulthood. Online ed. New York: Oxford Academic; 2021. p. 274–294.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190057008.003.0017
8. Hafez SH, Mohamed HA, Mohamed NA. “The Prevalence of Aphrodisiac Drugs Consumption and Its Associated Factors among Married Men at Beni-Suef City, Egypt”. International Egyptian Journal of Nursing Sciences and Research, 2022 ; 2(2):501‑11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/ejnsr.2022.212559
9. Salim S. “Identification des IPDE 5 dans les produits aphrodisiaques Naturels commercialisés à Bamako”. Doctoral dissertation. Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako. Bibliothèque Numérique Sanitaire du Mali.2024.
10. West E & Krychman M. “Natural aphrodisiacs—a review of selected sexual enhancers”. Sexual medicine reviews, 2015; 3(4), 279-288.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smrj.62
11. Skalicka-Woźniak K, Georgiev MI & Orhan IE. “Adulteration of herbal sexual enhancers and slimmers: The wish for better sexual well-being and perfect body can be risky”. Food and chemical toxicology, 2017; 108, 355-364.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.06.018
12. Nagasawa S, Saka K, Yamagishi Y, Yajima D, Chiba F, Yamaguchi R & Iwase H. “Association between sexual activity-related death and non-prescription use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors”. Legal Medicine 48, 2021; 101815.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101815
Al Ibrahim AH, Ghallab KQ, Alhumaid FI et al. “A Systematic Review of Sildenafil Mortality Through the Years”. Cureus, 2022, vol. 14, no 12.DOI : https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.32179
Published
Abstract Display: 99 
PDF Downloads: 58 PDF Downloads: 20 How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2026 Ndèye Absatou Diaw, Ibrahima Diouf, Awa Ba Diop, Youssou Thiendella Fall, Mbaye Sene, Mamadou Sarr, Modou Oumy Kane
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
How to Cite
.