A new trend is making waves on TikTok, especially among college students, and it’s got doctors worried. It’s all about honey packets, which are being marketed as a quick fix for better sex. Students at Arizona State University have posted videos with over 400,000 views, joking around about taking these honey packets to boost their sexual performance.
But doctors aren’t laughing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about some honey packets because they contain hidden drugs. Some packets are just flavored honey with harmless ingredients like maca and ginseng, but others hide powerful drugs like tadalafil—the main ingredient in Cialis, which treats erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Peter Leone, a professor at the University of North Carolina, says it’s not worth the risk. While he supports good sex and pleasure, he stresses that safer methods should always come first.
Honey packets have been around for a while and can be found at places like liquor stores and truck stops, but the big concern is that no one really knows what’s inside. Dr. Jesse Mills from UCLA points out how dangerous this uncertainty is. Tadalafil can be very strong and cause serious side effects, especially when mixed with other medications or alcohol.
And let’s face it—most young men don’t have erectile dysfunction, so there’s no need for these supplements. If a guy is having trouble in the bedroom, he should talk to a doctor to figure out what’s going on, whether it’s physical or something psychological.
So, why are college students using honey packets in the first place? Doctors believe it’s tied to pressures from hookup culture. Many guys feel insecure about their performance, wanting to impress their partner or outdo past lovers. But the truth is, using honey packets isn’t going to solve those insecurities. If you’re having trouble in the bedroom, it’s better to talk to a professional than to rely on questionable supplements.
In the end, taking a honey packet might just be a placebo effect, making someone believe it’s working, even if it’s not. If a college student is struggling with sexual health, it’s a real issue that should be addressed by a doctor.