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Topics: Health, US News, Sex and Relationships
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Health, US News, Sex and Relationships
You'd think after 300,000 years on earth that the human race would know everything there is to know about having sex.
Unusually, however, a batch of rampant lovers have recently discovered a brand new means of spicing up their sex lives - though a doctor has been forced to issue a pretty stern warning about the life-threatening dangers involved.
This isn't the first time that a bedroom-related warning has been issued to sexually-active readers this week.
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A relatively popular sex act was ruled to increase your risk of catching nasty infections, and a trauma expert issued another warning about one major issue that could inadvertently be 'sabotaging your sex life'.
As we say, however, this week, it has been the turn of a group of US college students to hit the headlines after adding a 'honey packet' to their bedroom routine in the hope of ramping up the sauciness.
This doesn't actually describe bottles of thick, gooey substances derived from bees and found in your kitchen cupboard, but an au naturel product supposedly aimed at enhancing the sensations of sexual encounters.
Containing 'natural ingredients', these hacks are said to boost sexual performance for the male by intensifying the strength and longevity of their erection.
The trend was recently discussed by a group of male university students currently attending Arizona State University, who spoke out on a TikTok that has since harboured over 400,000 views.
Described as 'honey packets' and 'honey bags' in the viral clip, the video even sees one guy having to walk off after admitting to using them, claiming they'd 'never reveal their secrets'.
But what exactly is a 'honey packet', and is it as sticky as it sounds?
A study by USA Today found that these are actually packets that contain hidden pharmaceutical drugs, with the same ingredients having been found in the likes of Cialis and Viagra - FDA-approved erectile dysfunction drugs.
Medics and doctors across the US are naturally concerned, however, that university students may not be fully aware of the risks of taking these sorts of drugs before they begin using them as a bedroom accessory.
These can include sudden spikes in blood pressure, severe chest pain, changes in vision, and even heart attacks.
Unlike the likes of Viagra, however, 'honey packets' are not approved, as they're categorised as dietary supplements and are not actually reviewed by healthcare professionals before they hit the shelves.
Voicing his concern, clinical professor Dr Jesse Mills told USA Today "It’s crazy. You can go to any liquor store and truck stop and buy a honey packet, and you have no idea what’s in there."
Other medics - including University of North Carolina's Dr Peter Leone - are worried about students mixing the packets with alcohol.
"I would worry about kids dropping their blood pressure, having issues around passing out or getting dizzy,"