Abstract / Summary
Objectives Sexual health remains a critical yet under-discussed aspect of men’s overall well-being, particularly in aging populations. In India, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is significant, with 81% of men reportedly facing related problems. Despite this, stigma often drives men to self-medicate with sexual enhancement medicines (S-EM), including allopathic, ayurvedic, homeopathic, and alternative formulations, often without professional guidance. The paucity of research on S-EM usage in India necessitates this study to examine its prevalence and determinants. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 970 Indian men aged 40 years and above. Data were collected using an anonymous, structured Google Forms questionnaire capturing demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate modeling to identify predictors of S-EM use. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection. Results The prevalence of S-EM usage was 11%, with higher rates among men aged >60 years (adjusted odds ratio [ AOR ] = 1.5), graduates ( AOR = 1.6), and those with sedentary lifestyles ( AOR = 2.0), obesity ( AOR = 1.6), and comorbidities ( AOR = 1.7). Ayurvedic formulations were most commonly used (57%), and 69.2% relied on media for information. Alarmingly, 86.9% used S-EM without a prescription, and only 20.6% were aware of potential side effects. Conclusion This study highlights significant predictors of S-EM usage and a concerning lack of awareness and professional guidance among users. These findings underscore the need for public health initiatives to address the stigma around sexual health and promote safe, informed use of S-EM, particularly in culturally sensitive settings like India.