In Kenya’s modern dating scene, looking good and performing well have become part of the game, with many Kenyans going to great lengths to impress potential partners.
Men often turn to blue pills or Viagra to boost sexual performance, while women increasingly opt for cosmetic procedures like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) to enhance their looks.
However, what they do not know is that these trends pose health risks and, in some cases, can be fatal.
Blue pills
Amid growing concerns over the misuse of blue pills and the health risks they pose, the Ministry of Health has announced measures to regulate the sale of sexual performance enhancers such as Viagra, citing rising cases of self-medication and unregulated access as a public health concern.
In a statement on Monday, December 22, 2025, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni noted that the medicine is strictly prescription-only and should not be sold over the counter.
“The drug increases the risk of life-threatening events such as heart attack and stroke; patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use,” Muthoni said.
According to the PS, the Sildenafil tablets are mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription.
She warned that when taken without proper medical guidance, especially alongside nitrates or certain heart and blood pressure medicines, the drug can cause life-threatening complications.
“When taken with other medicines—especially nitrates or certain blood pressure and heart medicines—it can cause dangerous interactions and increase the risk of life-threatening events such as heart attack and stroke; patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use,” the statement read in part.
BBL
Social media has amplified this cosmetic surgery trend, with influencers showcasing transformations and setting new beauty and performance standards.
Just like blue pills, BBLs also carry risks, with one of the major concerns being the risk of infection and other surgical complications.
Like any invasive procedure, BBL can lead to infections at the surgical site if strict sterile conditions and proper postoperative care are not maintained. In some cases, these infections can become serious, requiring antibiotics or additional medical intervention.
There are also risks of issues such as haematomas (blood pooling under the skin), asymmetrical results, and fat necrosis, where transplanted fat cells die and form lumps or hard areas under the skin.
