3 men die after use of sex boosters as health experts raise red flag

Health experts in Malawi have raised red flag, urging men to desist from using unsupervised sexual enhancement pills and energy drinks following the reported deaths of at least three men linked to products marketed as sexual performance boosters.

The concern follows a series of incidents in recent months in which three men reportedly died during or shortly after sexual activity after allegedly consuming sexual enhancement products.

Among them was a 48-year-old man from Dowa who reportedly suffered cardiac failure after taking a suspected energy drink before sex.

In another case, a 30-year-old mechanic died in Lumbadzi, near Lilongwe, after allegedly consuming performance-enhancing pills known as Kifaru 50 and Kifaru 100.

Health specialist Dorothy Ngoma said the growing use of such products among men in their 30s and 40s reflects increasing pressure to meet expectations around sexual performance.

She noted that many users are motivated by a desire to impress partners or emulate stories shared by friends and on social media, often without understanding the potential health risks involved.

Ngoma warned that many men take enhancement products without medical advice and may be unaware of their ingredients, side effects, or possible interactions with existing health conditions.

She stressed that pushing the body beyond its natural limits in pursuit of enhanced sexual performance can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

Pharmacist Chris Obed Mpinganjira said the issue lies largely in the misuse of the products rather than the products themselves.

While some pharmaceutical and herbal remedies can improve aspects of sexual function, he emphasized the importance of proper dosage, medical supervision, and awareness of underlying health conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases.

As public concern grows following the three reported deaths, health experts are calling for increased public education and professional guidance on the use of sexual enhancement products. Meanwhile, Malawi’s Pharmacy and

Medicines Regulatory Authority is expected to issue a formal update as scrutiny of the products intensifies.

-Malawi24, Malawi news agency