Viagra has cleared the way for older men looking to enhance their sex life. Some argue the drug’s creator, Pfizer, has made erectile dysfunction equivalent to a common cold. Everyone gets one, so everyone would benefit from the drug. It’s not a taboo topic to talk about, and Viagra has helped millions of men deal with sexual issues. However, doctors are seeing more young men ask for the drug.
The need in the younger crowd
Dr. Robert Garafolo, director of youth services at the Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago says young men in their late teens and early 20s come into his office and tell him tales of a struggling sex life and create fake symptoms they believe are associated with erectile dysfunction.
While Garafolo says “no” to these young drug seekers, he realizes many of them can get their hands on the little blue pills elsewhere. In fact Garafolo believes Viagra has become a party drug.
The new party favor
Garafolo says young men at parties are using Viagra, believing it will “up their game with the ladies.”
“One thing that is remarkable is it has all happened without anybody paying much attention,” said Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, a Harvard Medical School physician and researcher in sexual dysfunction.
Here’s the problem: Teenage boys and 20-something guys are taking Viagra with “club drugs” such as Ecstasy. Although Ecstasy can boost energy and provide the desired high, it lessens a male’s ability to have an erection. When Viagra is added to this cocktail, which often is washed down with alcohol, the result can be risky.
“A lot of young guys-and more than a few in their 30s, 40s and beyond-are suddenly more able to have sex when it is least advisable.”
The warning
Garafolo advises parents to talk to their teens about this new phenomenon and if someone in the house is using Viagra, keep it out of the hands of teens.
