Despite this, due to advertisements and social media promotion, a large number of people are buying them as quick acting medicines and are falling prey to diseases. The market of sexual enhancement drugs and supplements is growing very fast in the country. According to reports by IMARC Group and Indian Pharma Export Promotion Council (Pharmexil), by 2024 this market could be worth more than Rs 7,000 crore. Every year it is increasing by an average of 10 to 12%. This includes prescription drugs as well as herbal and stamina booster products. The reason for the rapidly growing market is the irregular lifestyle of people. It is estimated that the share of illegal and uncontrolled business in this is more than 40%, that is, business worth about Rs 3,000 crore is being run without license and without scientific evidence.
Advertisements for sex enhancing drugs have doubled since 2020, according to a report by the Health Ministry’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). These are being sold as safe herbal or clinically tested. According to experts, the scientific basis of these claims is weak and most of the products contain ingredients like sildenafil (a drug like Viagra), tadalafil or steroids, which are dangerous. According to Dr. Neeraj Pandey, cardiologist of AIIMS, New Delhi, if patients with heart disease or high blood pressure take such medicines, then their risk of heart attack or stroke increases.
lack of regulatory rigor
Although advertisement of sexual enhancing drugs is banned under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, they are being openly promoted on the internet. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also detected adulteration in many herbal supplements. FSSAI found in 2024 that 90% of the companies selling herbal sexual enhancement products were not following the rules. Recently some products were recalled from the market.
America is the world’s largest market
America is the largest market for such medicines globally. According to the report, America’s market will be worth more than Rs 40,000 crore in 2024, which is the largest share of the world’s total business. After this, Europe especially Germany, France, Britain and China and India are the fast emerging markets in Asia.
safe option
- Consult a doctor before taking the medicine.
- Get tested for testosterone or other hormones
- Lifestyle improvements – regular exercise, abstinence from smoking and alcohol, adequate sleep.
- Take help of counseling and therapy.
- Take only licensed and tested products, not adulterated ones.