Advertisements on walls and buses promise guaranteed cures for 'weakness'. Many such clinics are run by unqualified people.
They often create fear about normal body processes and sell costly remedies.
Key concepts
- Scientific sexual health care is confidential and available
- Many 'herbal' products contain hidden steroids or drugs
- Guaranteed cures are a red flag
Symptoms and signs
- Red flags: no registration displayed, cash-only, 'secret formula'
- Labelling dhat or night emissions as disease
- Pressure to buy long expensive courses
Causes
- Shame and lack of sex education
- Fear of being seen at a hospital
- Myths about semen and weakness
Risk factors
- Kidney, liver or heart harm from hidden ingredients
- Financial loss
- Worsening anxiety and delayed real treatment
Evidence-based management
- Consult a qualified doctor (psychiatrist, urologist, gynaecologist)
- Ask about registration and qualifications
- Get accurate information about normal sexual functioning
- Stop unknown products and tell your doctor what you took
When to seek professional help
- Side-effects after taking unknown remedies
- Ongoing worry about sexual health
- A private video consultation is available in Hindi or English; your partner can join if you wish
Frequently asked questions
Will a doctor judge me?
No. Sexual concerns are common and are discussed professionally and confidentially.
Can I consult online privately?
Yes. Video consultation avoids being seen in a waiting room.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Indian Psychiatric Society. Indian Psychiatric Society / Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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