A new trend among college students regarding sexual activities is currently sparking concern among medical professionals on TikTok. This trend involves the use of honey packets, which are marketed as sexual enhancement supplements.

In a TikTok video that has gained over 400,000 views, students at Arizona State University are seen joking about their experiences with these honey packets. One student humorously avoids answering whether he used it, expressing a sense of secrecy.

However, healthcare providers are taking the matter seriously. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding several brands of these honey packets, pointing out that they may contain unlisted drugs.

Medical experts highlight a significant concern: when someone consumes a honey packet, they cannot be certain of its contents. While some packets contain natural ingredients like maca and ginseng—which are generally harmless—the effects on sexual performance are minimal and mostly placebo-driven. Others may include pharmaceutical compounds such as tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis, used for treating erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Peter Leone, a medicine professor at the University of North Carolina, expresses his disapproval: “I think it’s unnecessary. I’m all for people enjoying healthy sexual experiences, but there are safer alternatives.”

The Risks of Using ‘Honey Packets’

The video from ASU indicates that students are becoming quite familiar with honey packets. One male student mentions taking several in a single night. These products aren’t new and can be found at local liquor stores and convenience shops, much to the dismay of medical professionals.

Dr. Jesse Mills, a health science clinical professor and director of the Men’s Clinic at UCLA, remarks, “It’s shocking that you can buy a honey packet anywhere without even knowing what’s in it.”

This lack of transparency is what makes honey packets potentially dangerous. Tadalafil is a strong treatment for erectile dysfunction, but it can lead to severe side effects, and even fatal outcomes if it interacts poorly with other drugs.

Dr. Leone explains that when mixed with alcohol, tadalafil can lower blood pressure dangerously. “This could lead to students fainting or feeling dizzy,” he warns, pointing out the risk of overdose as well.

The reality is that most college-aged males do not suffer from erectile dysfunction, so there is no reason for them to resort to honey packets. If a young man is struggling in this area, he should seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

“If any college student has questions about their sexual performance, they should consult a sexual health specialist who can assess if the issue is physiological and can be treated, or if it requires a psychological approach,” Dr. Mills advises.

Why Are College Students Interested in ‘Honey Packets’?

The buzz around honey packets on social media raises an important concern: why are some young men inclined to use them, even if they don’t have sexual health problems?

“Do these young men actually need honey packets?” questioned a TikTok user. Others emphasized how bizarre it is to normalize erectile dysfunction among college students.

Healthcare professionals note that the interest in honey packets among college students highlights the insecurities many young men experience regarding sexual performance and the desire to conform to social norms. The pressures of hookup culture may exacerbate these feelings, making them anxious about their ability to satisfy partners and compete with others.

“They’re not just thinking about erectile issues,” Dr. Mills explains. “They are more concerned with how they can perform better than before or outdo previous partners, creating an internal competition that has nothing to do with actual dysfunction.”

For those grappling with these fears, it is crucial to understand that resorting to honey packets is not the solution.

If a student is struggling to get or keep an erection during intercourse, that’s a serious health issue that should be looked into,” says Mills. “However, if they believe that a solution will merely help them last longer or enhance their partying experience, it’s unlikely to be effective unless they have genuine faith in it. In that case, anything could work due to the significant impact of the placebo effect.”