Aphrodisiacs use and its client profile: An exploratory study in Aurangabad city, Maharashtra.

Abstract

Background: Impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED) is said to afflict as much as 10 percent of the male population. Despite this staggering incidence, few cases come to light. The practice of self-medication by an increasing number of patients and the absence of real directives amplifies the potential health hazards to the community. Objectives: To find out the various aphrodisiacs used by the clients and clients profile. Methods: Of 847 medical stores in Aurangabad city, Maharashtra, 5% (47) were selected by Systematic Random Sampling method. The investigator had paid one day visit to each medical store. He studied the prescriptions and recorded aphrodisiacs purchased by with prescriptions and over the counter (OTC) without prescriptions. The data was analyzed by using Epi_info 3.5.1 software package and interpreted in proportions and chi-square test. Results: Of 218 clients, only 1/5^th i.e. 43 (19.7%) had prescriptions and 175 (80.3%) were OTC without prescriptions. There were 177 (81.19%) clients purchased aphrodisiacs for sexual desire and 41 (18.81%) as medical reason. The clients purchased 88 types of aphrodisiacs brands. Of these, 23 (26.13%) had Allopathic brands, 39 (44.32%) Ayurvedic brands, 18 (20.45%) Homeopathic brands and 8 (9.09%) Unani brands. Conclusions : This study revealed that clients below 21 years of age were indiscriminately engaged in sexual behaviours. Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs were the majority of choice to purchase.