AN INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL PRACTICES AND ITS IMPACT ON MEN IN LEDZOKUKU KROWOR MUNICIPAL AREA OF ACCRA, GHANA.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1Background of the study

The use of medicines or specific activities to enhance sexual function and behavior is referred to as sexual enhancing procedures. Using medicines to improve erectile function or prevent premature ejaculation, as well as aphrodisiacs to boost sexual arousal and desire, are just a few of the methods (Evans et al., 2012). Despite the fact that both men and women use sexual enhancement medications or chemicals, research indicate that males are more prone than women to utilize them to improve their sexual performance (Foxman, Aral, & Holmes, 2006, Strote, Lee, &Wechsler, 2002, Pickard et al., 2000, McCabe et al., 2005, Danquah, 201 1). Some men use or want to utilize sexual enhancement medications or practices for a variety of reasons. Curiosity, a desire to try new things, peer pressure, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, poor sex drive, condom-related erectile dysfunction, performance anxiety, and orgasmic disorders are just a few of them. „the desire to have pleasurable sexual encounters with one's partner and to display sexual skill in order to show one's masculinity (Wright, 2009, Morales, 2007, Bechara et al., 2010, James Meschino, 2007, Korkes et al., 2008). Men who have many sexual partners or engage in sex marathons are more prone to utilize sexual enhancement medications or practices (Semple et al., 2009, Yinka, 2012). Men who use illegal substances like alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine are more prone to utilize sexual enhancing medications and practices to compensate for the erectile dysüxnction that comes with their usage, according to studies. (Santtila et al., 2007, Chu et al., 2003). McCambridge et al., 2006, Bellis et al., 2008; Sumnall et al., 2007, Harte & Meston, 2011, McCambridge et al., 2006, Bellis et al., 2008). Because of the widespread promotion of goods in both print and electronic media, men are increasingly utilizing sexual enhancing drugs (SEDS). From fashion, food, and drink to cars, technology, and even names, sex has infiltrated every facet of human existence. Many various kinds of enhancers are available on the market, and many of them are intended to assist a guy in obtaining and maintaining an erection long enough to please himself and his sexual partner (Shaw, 2010). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) have authorized three major oral medicines for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalatil), and Levitra (vardenafil) (Hatzimouratidis et al., 2010). Phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors are a class of sexual enhancement medicines that includes the compounds listed above (PDE5Is). According to mounting data, these medications are increasingly being taken as a sexual enhancement aid among males without any medical reason (Harte & Meston, 2012). Apart from the aphrodisiacs listed above, men also utilize herbal supplements and alcoholic bitters as aphrodisiacs to enhance their sexual drive (Wright, 2009). To prevent premature ejaculation, local anaesthetic creams are given to the male sexual organs (Berkovitch, Keresteci, & Koren, 1995).

Some men also take antidepressants, which have the adverse effect of delaying ejaculation (Hatzimouratidis et al., 2010). Herbal aphrodisiacs are available in a variety of forms, including liquid, jelly, and powder, and may be consumed orally or massaged on the genital organs (Gottlieb, 1993). Mandingo, atemuda, local ginseng, opeimu, alomo gin bitters, herb atrik, and ogidigidi are some of the alcoholic aphrodisiacs widely used in Ghana. Aside from using sexual enhancement drugs (SEDs) or aphrodisiacs, many men turn to churches, prayer centers, herbal centers, and shrines for assistance (Marshall & Katz, 2002, Kamatenesi-Mugisha & al, 2005, Low et al, 2007, Ho et al, 2011). Exercises like running, aerobics, and pelvic floor exercises are also utilized to improve sexual performance (Young & Penhollow, 2004, Esposito et al., 2004). Men may get sexual enhancement medications from a variety of places. Prescriptions, acquaintances, coworkers, family, sexual partners, over-the-counter at pharmacy outlets and chemical shops, intemet, and drug peddlers are some of these sources (Wright, 2009, EvansBrown et al, 2012). Major unlicensed sex-enhancing medications are readily accessible in many Ghanaian cities, and are sold in market places, truck stations and vehicle parks, supermarkets, nightclubs, and on the streets (Danquah et al., 2011, FDA, 2012). The majority of sexual enhancers used by Ghanaian males are not registered with the Ghanaian Food and Drugs Authority, thus their safety, effectiveness, and drug-drug interactions remain unknown (FDA, 2012). Men between the ages of eighteen and seventy are the most common users of these unlicensed sexual enhancement medications or chemicals (Yinka, 2012). Some unlicensed SEDs have also been shown to be contaminated with other chemicals that may damage men who take them (Chan, 2009, Lim et al., 2009). The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) burned significant amounts of unregistered SEDs at the Saba landtill site in Weija, Accra, on Thursday, August 5, 2012. (FDA, 2012). The substances were discovered during a raid on illicit drug and SED dealers in Okaishie, Kaneshie, Tudu, and the Accra Central Business Centre. Black Warrior, AK—47, Black Superman, and African King were among the SEDs eliminated by the FDA. (Food and Drug Administration, 2012). Indiscriminate usage of aphrodisiacs or sexual boosting medicines on the Ghanaian market purportedly produced in the United States and China, according to the Ghanaian Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), is killing Ghanaians (FDA,2012).

1.2Statement of research problem

The way in which people feel and express their sexuality is referred to as sexual practice. For a number of reasons, people participate in a range of sexual actions, ranging from activities performed alone to acts performed with another person in various patterns of frequency. There are relatively few studies that look at sexual behaviors and their effects on health. According to the FDA, Ghanaian males are increasingly using unneeded sexual enhancement medicines or chemicals that have severe health consequences, including the danger of early mortality (FDA, 2012). Early sexual dysfunction and potency may result from increased usage and misuse of aphrodisiacs and other sex boosting medications. Increased sexual desire leads to increased sexual activity, inability to negotiate safe sex, inability to reject unwanted sexual approaches, hazardous sexual behavior, and unprotected sex with many sexual partners, which exacerbates the issue. Sexual behavior that is accompanied by the use of performance-enhancing medications or chemicals is often sexually motivated. Men's sexual health interventions are often designed, managed, and executed without taking into account the misuse and indiscriminate use of sexual enhancing medicines or substances. Young people, on the other hand, often view alcohol, sexually enhancing medications, and sex as being part of the same social experience, necessitating a coordinated strategy to handle these problems. These days, even young guys are using these medicines and aphrodisiacs without realizing the dangers. As a result, the unknown safety, effectiveness, and drug-drug interaction of SEDs, as well as their negative consequences (priapism, impotence, cardiovascular events such as heart attack) and indiscriminate usage by Ghana's young, are a major public health issue.

1.3Objectives of the study

The primary objective of the study is as follows

1.        To  examine the concept of sexual practices among Ghanaian men

2.        To examine the impact of sexual practices on Ghanaian men

3.        To  investigate why Ghanaian men use sex enhance product

1.4       Research hypothesis

H01: there are no impact of sexual practices on Ghanaian men

H1: there are impact of sexual practices on Ghanaian men

H02: Ghanaian men do not use sex enhance product

H1: Ghanaian men use sex enhance product

1.6Significance of the study

The significance of this study cannot be underestimated as:

l  This study will examine An Investigation Of Sexual Practices And Its Impact On Men In Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Area Of Accra, Ghana.

l  The findings of this research work will undoubtedly provide the much needed information to government organizations, radio stations, broadcasting commission and academia.

1.7Scope of the study

The study will examine An Investigation Of Sexual Practices And Its Impact On Men In Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Area Of Accra, Ghana.

1.8Limitations of the study

This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows:

 just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data

Financial constraint , was faced by  the researcher ,in getting relevant materials  and  in printing and collation of questionnaires

Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher

1.9Operational definition of terms

Sexual practices:  the manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality