Akand (a pseudonym) is a young man from the Sariakandi upazila in Bogra who recently got married. Following a friend's suggestion, he consumes various types of sexual enhancement syrups twice a week. He purchases these syrups from a local grocery store for 70 taka.
When questioned, the young man revealed that he learned about this syrup from a friend. Since that time, he has been regularly buying and consuming it. He experiences anxiety if he misses a dose. Currently, he has developed a significant dependency on it, feeling uneasy with his wife without having taken it beforehand.
The young man also mentioned that he is unaware of the potential risks associated with using these substances without medical advice.
Doctors, however, warn that these syrups marketed as sexual enhancers can lead to various serious health issues. According to drug administration regulations, running a drug business without a proper license and signage is illegal. Nevertheless, investigations in different areas of Sariakandi Upazila have shown that Akand is not alone in this; many teenagers, young men, and adults in the vicinity are also using these dangerous syrups. Furthermore, these unapproved sexual stimulants are being sold openly, despite government policies and directives against such practices. Empty bottles of these medications are scattered throughout the alleys and market areas of Sariakandi Upazila in Bogra. Despite the sale of these harmful sexual stimulants, the administration appears to be entirely unresponsive.
On-site observations reveal that the list of these medicines or syrups includes various names such as Ginsin, Happy, Torch, Horse, Three-Horse, A One, Fight One, Enjoy Fruits, Eclip liquid syrup, Munish, Power-30, Agra, Nishat, Jigra, and other products from numerous unidentified companies.
It is surprising that all these unapproved medicines or syrups display BSTI certification, expiration dates, production dates, batch numbers, and retail prices as usual. These products are available in various pharmacies, homeopathic, Unani, and Ayurvedic dispensaries, as well as paan-bidi shops, grocery stores, and temporary hawker stalls in the neighborhoods of the upazila.
In contrast, it is known that medications like Vigorex, Silegra, Dumax-30, Viagra-50, and Intimate are typically sold with a doctor's prescription to treat sexually transmitted diseases. A group of unscrupulous traders is clandestinely selling these medications to both young and adult customers, as well as retailers from different areas with limited capital.
Moreover, in their pursuit of higher profits with minimal investment, these traders are utilizing mobile hawkers to transport bags filled with stimulants or syrups alongside other products for sale in various paan-bidi shops, grocery stores, and variety stores in both villages and towns.
Meanwhile, the general public is being misled into purchasing these medications at low prices, driven by youthful desires. However, after a short period, they encounter severe health risks due to side effects and are compelled to seek assistance from a sexologist in their village, town, or city. Experts indicate that numerous individuals experiencing sexual issues tend to purchase and use stimulants from drug stores or pharmacies independently, without consulting a physician. Over time, this behavior can become habitual. However, those who engage in this practice may not fully understand the nature of their problem or its underlying causes. For someone dealing with erectile dysfunction, it is crucial to first determine the reasons behind it. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment, and while doctors may prescribe medication for a limited duration, it is not necessary to rely on stimulants for a lifetime.
Individuals who self-administer these medications often believe they are effective. Consequently, they may take the drugs two days a week, five days a week, or as they see fit. Unfortunately, the uncontrolled daily use of these drugs without medical guidance can lead to diminished effectiveness, as the body develops a tolerance.
Moreover, the failure to identify and address the root cause of sexual issues can result in the patient experiencing a deteriorating condition.
As the nights grow longer, both adolescents and adults show increased interest in acquiring these syrups or medications. They often linger outside various pharmacies in the city.
Once other customers depart, they discreetly purchase the items and leave swiftly.
However, since frequent buyers are well-known to the sellers, the sellers readily provide these stimulants upon recognizing their faces. This scenario has become apparent after visiting multiple pharmacies and neighborhoods throughout the city.
A resident of Hat Sherpur expressed that the trade of illegal drugs is escalating daily across various markets, along roads, on sidewalks, and even in bidi shops in Sariakandi. He perceives no involvement from the administration in this issue. Had the administration taken any action, the distribution of low-quality life-saving drugs would have been curtailed everywhere. If these practices are not halted, the health risks to the public will persistently rise. Vendor Zakir mentioned that ginseng-like syrups are thriving in shops throughout different areas of the village and are lucrative, prompting shopkeepers to sell them eagerly.
Dr. Korban Ali (Roni), a specialist in dermatology, allergies, sexual health, and leprosy, stated that medications are typically prescribed for male erectile dysfunction, available under various brand names. These medications are primarily recommended by doctors as sexual stimulants. A physician determines the appropriate medication and dosage for a patient through consultation and examination.
While these drugs may enhance the duration of sexual intercourse in the short term, they also significantly elevate the body's blood pressure.
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