MWE Correspondent
A growing number of young men in Tanzania are reportedly turning to erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra and unregulated products like Vega 100 in secrecy, driven by social pressure, relationship stress, and a desire to prove masculinity.
The trend, increasingly observed in urban centres including Dar es Salaam, is being fuelled by peer influence and social media narratives that equate sexual performance with confidence, status, and male identity.
Some users say they began using the drugs without medical guidance, often influenced by friends or online content, with little understanding of the potential physical and psychological risks involved.
In Temeke, Dar es Salaam, one young man who spoke anonymously said he resorted to the drugs following emotional distress from a difficult relationship, describing an experience that escalated beyond expectation and left him deeply unsettled when his partner became unwell during intimacy.
Other users report experiencing side effects such as numbness, prolonged sexual activity, anxiety, and emotional regret after use, raising concerns about unsafe consumption without proper medical supervision.
Despite repeated warnings from the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority), unregulated sexual enhancement products such as Vega 100 continue to circulate in informal markets, often sold at low prices and without prescriptions.
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Health experts warn that the widespread availability of such products poses a growing public health risk, particularly among young people who may lack accurate information about dosage, safety, and long-term effects.
Psychologist Dr Jabir Mussa says the trend reflects deeper emotional and social pressures affecting young men, noting that many associate sexual performance with masculinity, self-worth, and acceptance within relationships.
He warned that repeated use of such drugs without medical supervision could lead to psychological dependence, performance anxiety, and reduced confidence in natural sexual ability over time.
“Many young men are not using these drugs for medical need, but because of pressure and fear of inadequacy,” he said, urging stronger public education on reproductive health and emotional wellbeing.
Medical professionals are also calling for tighter regulation of unapproved products in informal markets, warning that counterfeit or unregulated pills may contain unknown substances that increase health risks.
The issue highlights a growing intersection between mental health, relationships, and substance misuse among youth, as experts urge open dialogue and responsible sexual health education to address rising concerns.
