Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is one of the important health problems affecting man and his partner. Recently, many treatments have evolved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or sexual health. Of the available treatments several are pharmacologically proven and tested medications. However, in Asia, there are significant users of unproven medications for sexual health. These medications are traditionally used by the folklore living in the countryside. These untested medications may have a profound effect on the body system and their interactions with other medications may be harmful. However, comprehensive accounts of such medications are unavailable. This paper descriptively highlights the common medications used for sexual health in Asia.
Introduction
For a male, especially in Asia, sexual performance carries an identity and a sense of self-esteem in his society and the world. Thus, sexual performance in the male has an unprecedented importance. In daily life, it is very easy for men to admit having common symptoms like fever but not erectile dysfunction. Admitting erectile dysfunction (ED) is contra to the male ego, particularly if it occurs during the midlife periods. It is reported that nearly 100 million people around the world are living with erectile dysfunction.[1] In diabetic patients the incidence of ED is even more common. Of late, the number of diabetic patients is on the rise and as a result nearly 30% of ED in Singapore is attributed to diabetes.[2]
Yet, only 10% of these 100 million, i.e., 10 million are seeking treatment, despite enormous advancements and treatment facilities in all parts of the world.[1] In Asia lower treatment-seeking behavior (in China and Korea it is only 9 and 30%) could be attributed to its sensitivity and social stigma.[3] Hence, many patients self medicate by resorting to local herbs and sex tonics, which are scientifically unproven.
Sexual herbs are eagerly consumed no matter how unappetizing or bizarre. In the continuous quest for better sex, humans have ingested such diverse items such as elephant tusks, lion blood, bull testicles and rhino horn; ram penis, pig genitals and the dried remains of the Mediterranean Cantharis beetle, otherwise known as "Spanish Fly". Sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs, so longer lasting erections, female lubrication and more intense orgasms could be achieved, resulting in satisfactory sex. Herbs, however, are unprocessed drugs and may interact with other medications. In view of this, some knowledge about these herbs and tonics will be of immense value to physicians who are engaged in treating sexual dysfunction. Thus, the present paper highlights some of the more popular and effective Asian herbs.
Sexual herbs are eagerly consumed no matter how unappetizing or bizarre. In the continuous quest for better sex, humans have ingested such diverse items such as elephant tusks, lion blood, bull testicles and rhino horn; ram penis, pig genitals and the dried remains of the Mediterranean Cantharis beetle, otherwise known as "Spanish Fly". Sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs, so longer lasting erections, female lubrication and more intense orgasms could be achieved, resulting in satisfactory sex. Herbs, however, are unprocessed drugs and may interact with other medications. In view of this, some knowledge about these herbs and tonics will be of immense value to physicians who are engaged in treating sexual dysfunction. Thus, the present paper highlights some of the more popular and effective Asian herbs.
