In Kenya Men with ED Turn to Traditional Healers

In the United States, most men with erectile dysfunction will head to their doctor to ask for a prescription for one of the top erectile dysfunction drugs, like Cialis. But for Kenyan men with erectile dysfunction, things aren’t that simple.

Help for erectile dysfunction in Kenya

According to the Daily Nation, about 17% of Kenyan with erectile dysfunction seek the services of traditional healers to help them—usually after modern medicine has failed.

In some instances, lack of access to modern medicine was to blame. In 2017, lengthy strikes by doctors and nurses reduced the availability of healthcare. In fact, only 47% of Kenyans used public health facilities in 2017, compared to 74% in 2016.

These statistics run contrary to the government’s plan to improve universal healthcare access to 100% of Kenyans by the year 2022.

Other services of traditional healers

Erectile dysfunction isn’t the only ailment that Kenyans seek help for from traditional healers.

A mobile phone survey conducted with 1,705 respondents between July and August of 2017 found that 18% sought the help of traditional healers for malaria, 12% sought help for “seduction,” and 11% sought help for work-related success.

Other treatments for erectile dysfunction in Kenya

Somewhere between traditional medicine (e.g. Cialis) and witchcraft (what some consider Kenya traditional healers to use), there are other erectile dysfunction treatments.

As with any country, Kenya has its fair share of fake erectile dysfunction pills, often sold as supplements but always making big claims. Some are sold on websites that also tout weight-loss pills and beauty products.

Ayurvedic Health Services in Kenya takes a different approach to treating erectile dysfunction, basing its remedies on the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing.

The seven Ayurvedic treatments include: medicated enemas, purgation therapy to regulate testosterone levels, Shirodhara therapy to deal with psychologic issues, blood-letting, oral medications, an aphrodisiac diet and yoga with breathing exercises.