CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Infertility is a biological, clinical, personal and social problem and male factors contribute 50% to this subject (1). Men and women have since ages been curious to improve, revive and maintain their sexual efficiency, and ancient literature is witness of use of natural aphrodisiacs for this purpose. The term „Aphrodisiac‟ has been derived from Aphrodite, symbol of love and beauty in Greek mythology. Since ancient times a large number of natural (plant and animal) remedies have been used as aphrodisiacs in different cultures and civilizations.

Ancient literature and records show the deep interest of human beings for substances to increase libido, potency and sexual pleasure as it takes care of the disorders of sexual desire, ejaculation, orgasm and erectile dysfunction. We find mention of the use of a large number of plant and animal based aphrodisiacs worldwide in different traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha of Indian and Chinese (2) as well as in Tibetan, Arabian, Greek and Roman medicinal systems. In Ayurvedic medicinal system of India, a separate section is devoted to cure erectile dysfunction with the help of natural products and it is well known as Vajikaran therapy or Virlification. These materials are being used as aphrodisiacs irrespective of lack of knowledge about their exact mechanism of action.

Chinese traditional practitioners are also trying acupuncture for this purpose and there is enough scientific basis to include it in the regimen of conventional medicine (3). From a very basic biological point of view, the man should be able to achieve erection, penetration and ejaculation for a successful sexual intercourse. This not only ensures reproduction but also ensures personal satisfaction and pleasure. In the modern era of technology and busy life style, disorders related to the problems of erection and infertility are quite common. Therefore, human beings are continuously looking for an ultimate aphrodisiac in search of heightened sexual satisfaction to take care of biological and personal purposes. Despite the availability of well known synthetic aphrodisiacs with their exact mechanism of action, people are interested in finding out a natural substance believing that it could have less or no side effects. Synthetic aphrodisiacs like sildenafil, tadalfil and verdenafil which work through PDE5 inhibition could cure erectile dysfunction and loss of libido; however, a natural aphrodisiac could have additional benefits such as providing nutrition and help recover infertility without any adverse side effects (4).

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Aphrodisiac use has proved to be very potent in the desire to improve sex drive; however there some problems associated with its use. Some of these problems could come from side effect on the use of aphrodisiac. The primary focus of this study is to examine the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada. The males (youth especially) in Okada area of Ovia North-East Local Government Area are engaged in the use of aphrodisiac to enhance sexual performance. The reason behind overly dependent on aphrodisiac is what the study seeks to achieve.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the research work is to examine the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada. The objectives of the study are:

1. to determine the prevalence of the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada
2. to determine perceptions on the reason behind the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada
3. to determine the correlation between aphrodisiac usage and sexual problems in Okada
4. to investigate the affecting the use of aphrodisiac in Okada
5. to identify the health implication of aphrodisiac use by males in Okada

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The following research questions guide the objectives of the study:

1. What is the prevalence of the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada?
2. What are the perceptions on the reason behind the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada?
3. What is the correlation between aphrodisiac usage and sexual problems in Okada?
4. What are the affecting the use of aphrodisiac in Okada?
5. What is the health implication of aphrodisiac use by males in Okada?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0: there is no correlation between aphrodisiac usage and sexual problems in Okada

H1: there is correlation between aphrodisiac usage and sexual problems in Okada

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the use of aphrodisiac will be of immense benefit to all the males in Okada. The study will establish the reason why most male in Okada uses aphrodisiac. The study will also determine the correlation between aphrodisiac usage and sexual problems in Okada. The study will examine people’s perception as to why males use aphrodisiac and the health implication. The study will also serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out similar research on the above topic. Finally the study will contribute to the body of the existing literature on the use of aphrodisiac among males.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study will focus on the use of aphrodisiac among males in Okada in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.  The study will cover on the correlation between aphrodisiac usage and sexual problems in Okada.

1.8 LIMIATTION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Aphrodisiac: An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire, sexual pleasure, or sexual behavior. Substances range from a variety of plants, spices, foods, and synthetic chemicals

Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease