Viagra: the myths and risks
Twenty percent of healthy young men have used Viagra or a similar drug, a recent study found. And not because of erection problems, but to boost sexual performance – despite the serious health risks. A researcher describes such a user.
Urologist Dr Walter de Bonis, one of the researchers behind the Argentinean study, tells Love Matters about a typical patient who takes Viagra for kicks.
In my surgery, I talked to a patient who had come to me for the first time for a routine check-up.
‘What medicines do you take?’ I asked him, as I do with all new patients.
‘None, only Viagra,’ he answered.
‘Which doctor gave you the prescription?’ I asked.
‘None,’ he replied. ‘A friend recommended it and gave it to me.’
Improve performance
Some men simply don’t consider Viagra as a medicine and they can easily get hold of it without a prescription. It’s a very common story heard in the surgery of a urologist.
‘Do you know Viagra is a drug prescribed for erection problems?’ I asked him. ‘Do you suffer from these kinds of problems?’
‘No doctor,’ he said, ‘luckily I don’t have that problem’
‘So, why do you take it?’
‘To improve my performance.’
I asked him to explain.
‘When I’m with a younger woman – don’t forget I’m 48 – I take it to perform better. You know, young girls are more demanding!’ he told me enthusiastically.
No evidence
I hear stories like this every day. Men who don’t have any erection problems take these kinds of medicines because they wrongly think it will improve their sexual performance.
But there’s no evidence that Viagra or similar drugs improve performance if they’re taken by men who don’t have erection trouble. What’s more, as with any medicine, there are risks of attached to using Viagra if it’s taken without a prescription without consulting a doctor.
Magic pills
By the time my patient calmly left the surgery, I’d managed to convince him of his own ‘potency’ and that he didn’t need any magic pills to boost his performance.
We made a new appointment. I’m very curious to see how he gets on.
Recreational Viagra use
The study in Argentina found that:
- 20 per cent of men aged 18-30 have used Viagra or similar. Of them:
- 20 per cent did it out of curiosity
- 96 per cent didn’t have a prescription
- 75 per cent say it improves their erections and sex
- 95 per cent think they’re well-informed about the health risks
- 20 per cent actually are well-informed
- Most users took the Viagra with alcohol or drugs, which increases the risk of side-effects.
Side-effects
The drug Sildenafil citrate, a PDE5 inhibitor, is sold as Viagra and Revatio, and under other names. Possible side-effects include:
- Headaches, flushing, nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Blocked nose
- Blurred vision
- Long-term erection
- rarely, loss of vision or hearing
- More seriously, sudden heart problems, especially for people who have had heart trouble or a stroke before
Have you ever taken Viagra even though you don’t have really have trouble getting an erection? Leave a comment below or join the conversation on Facebook.
Tell us what you think
Recent Comments (75)
no i fear
no i fear
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Hi Shan,
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Am a fraid for dem
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Would you tell us why are you afraid of them?
only one time.
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wat abt the mukebhero the luhya one is it effective since its herbal?tell us
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I once used it does it mean
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Hi Charis,
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don’t panic. If you only used it once, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. But now you know the risks!
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Hi how can I improve my sex performance I 20yrs but so worried about it can u viagra
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Hi, Are you having any specific performance issues so we can support your appropriately?
Wen having sex With hubby…
Wen having sex With hubby,after first round no erection 4almost onehour. Is there something wrong?
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Hey Lilian, This is completely normal for men to have what is called a refractory period, where it cannot get hard after ejaculation. If you are really hoping to have more sex, take the time to recharge and focus on each other. Even without an erection your partner can focus on you and and give you pleasure. It is important that your partner doesn’t stress about this which may make it even harder to get that erection. Check this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/male-body/erection-top-five-facts
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Hello Erickilar, you didn’t say exactly what problem you feel you have. It maybe useful to discuss this with your health care provider who will advice you on what steps to take to address the problems you feel you have.
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i have taken it more dan five time i need help now after having sex it takes me a long monnth to revover
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Hi Emmanuel, maybe you can start by not taking it. It is important that you only take the drug under the direction of your health care provider.
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Hi Thomasmot,
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Hi Thomasmot,
Love Matters does not sell medicine. You can get this from your nearest chemist or pharmacy. Ensure that you have talked to a doctor before taking any sexual enhancing drugs or any other drug for that matter.