“In 2014, an anti-impotence drug called Al-Fankoush appeared in Egyptian grocery stores in the form of a chocolate bar. Al-Fankoush was sold for one Egyptian pound, ($0.05; £0.04; €0.04 at today’s exchange rate). Shortly after it was brought to market, Al-Fankoush’s distribution was halted and its producer arrested by security forces after local media reported that it had been sold to children.
The use of anti-impotence drugs is known to be more prevalent among older than younger men. In Yemen, however, data from the ministry of health shows they are mostly used by men between the ages of 20 and 45.
Local reports suggest the use of Viagra and Cialis as recreational party drugs has become a phenomenon among young men since the start of the civil war between the rebel Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed government in 2015.
While the use of medications for sexual needs might be considered a modern phenomenon in Arab societies, the consumption of aphrodisiacs has been part of popular culture throughout Arab history.
Hundreds of years later many young Arab men are still turning to remedies, and the market for them is vibrant”.
Credit: Read More: By Hossam Fazulla
BBC Arabic: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61803199
