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The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging the public to stay away from three specific brands of so-called sexual enhancers - Black Bull Extreme, Erectemax, and Royal Honey - which it says pose serious health risks.

The ministry said the products are being sold online and through informal vendors, and are falsely marketed as "natural dietary supplements". However, laboratory testing conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration found that they contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. The risks are especially high for persons with chronic illnesses or those taking prescription medication.

One man who spoke to THE STAR, J* admitted to taking an over-the-counter sexual enhancement product - one that is not on the ministry's list - after he started noticing changes in how his body responded, especially in the bedroom. Wanting to improve his performance, he turned to the product, which he said was easy to access and widely used. He admitted to using it occasionally and is not ashamed.

"I'm not so young any more and you don't get that same erection like when you were younger," J said. "Great sex for me is how much she enjoys it. If a product can help with that, they won't question it." However, he explained that the pills don't always work unless paired with alcohol. For him, the use of sexual enhancers is not taboo.

"I don't think most men are embarrassed. They just want to make it seem like they're naturally a stallion. It's the norm. It's part of what creates masculinity," he said. But J, who lives with his partner, said he would stop if a doctor advised against it.

"I don't use it often, so mi wouldn't have a problem stopping."

On Princess Street in downtown Kingston, THE STAR sought opinions on the use of sexual enhancers from several women, who chastised men for not taking better care of themselves.

"If mi find out seh mi partner a use one of dem deh, mi a leave him. Him suppose to stand up off a him own," said a woman.

"Dem nah drink no bush roots or Irish moss," said one of the stylists who frequent the area. "Dem a mash up dem body with rum, Boom, and cigarette and then turn to this like it can fix everything."

"It work fi who need it," one woman said, "but why risk yuh entire health system fi stand up one time?"

Others expressed frustration at what they see as misplaced priorities.

"Dem nah feed dem body wid nutten good, but a enhancement product dem still a run down," one hairdresser said.

"A dem something deh mash it up," another added. "My man nuh affi buy none a this. As him see me, him stand up."

*Name changed to protect identity