The truth about sex pills in South Africa: What every man should know
Learn which sex pills are safe, what to avoid, and how to protect your health when using sex pills in South Africa.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs repeatedly, not just once. According to the South African Family Practice journal (2019) and the South African Medical Journal (2024), this condition often results from poor blood circulation, diabetes, or stress, and can be treated with sex pills depending on its cause.
An enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) regulates blood pressure in the lungs, blood vessels, and penis.
PDE5 pills like Viagra (sildenafil) improve blood flow to the penis, but using them without a medical diagnosis hides the cause and could delay getting the right medical care or make health problems worse.
SAHPRA ONLY APPROVED THREE SEX PILLS
By 2025, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved three drugs for treating erectile dysfunction: sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).
These medications boost blood flow during sexual arousal. In contrast, herbal sex pills, commonly sold online, remain unregulated and lack support from peer-reviewed studies.
THE USE ED PILLS SAFELY
Basic and Clinical Andrology advises men to take sex pills for erectile dysfunction 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse and to avoid using them more than once within 24 hours.
Mixing these pills with alcohol, nitrates, or energy drinks can dangerously drop blood pressure. Misusing them often causes side effects like headaches, facial flushing, and blurred vision.
SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ONLINE SEX PILLS
SAHPRA issued a public alert in 2019 warning against unregistered erectile dysfunction (ED) pills sold online. Researchers found many to be counterfeit, some lacking active ingredients, and others containing undeclared, harmful substances.
International health agencies, including the FDA, have confirmed the same risks. Doctors warn that younger men who use sex pills recreationally, especially without a prescription, risk developing psychological dependence.
Sellers often distribute these products illegally, bypassing safety regulations and putting unsuspecting consumers across South Africa at serious health risk.