Men have been turning to the little blue pill to treat their erectile dysfunction (ED) for nearly 20 years. Since Viagra (sildenafil) first came on the scene, in 1998, the number of men diagnosed with ED has shot up by 250 percent.
It’s safe to say the drug has given millions of men a convenient and effective option for improving their sex lives. But taking Viagra or other meds such as Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil), when you don’t have erectile dysfunction can be dangerous.
Men who don’t have problems getting an erection may still want to up their game.
“There are certainly plenty of examples of men trying to get their hands on Viagra when they don’t necessarily have ED,” says Dr. Eisenberg. “In some cases, it might just be to enhance performance or to perform better sexually.”
Some use Viagra not for ED but because they’ve heard it can enhance athletic performance. For other men, it’s all about convenience and cost. They want the drug without the hassle of getting a prescription.
“Most of us live busy lives, and some men might find it hard to see their doctor,” says Eisenberg. “Also, there’s a stigma about ED. Many younger men might be embarrassed about getting help.”
Buying Viagra from an unreliable source can be risky. Drugs sold online may be fake, contaminated, or expired.
According to press statements, in 2011, Pfizer Global Security looked at 22 websites that appeared in the top search results for the phrase “buy Viagra.” They found that about 80 percent of these pills were counterfeit. These fake Viagra pills did contain the active ingredient sildenafil, but only about 30 percent to 50 percent of the amount advertised.
“With the internet, you really never know what you’re getting,” Eisenberg says.
It’s also important to know that Viagra can cause side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nosebleeds
- Flushing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle or back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Sensitivity to light or vision changes
Using Viagra can lead to serious risks, too, if you have an underlying medical condition. For instance, men with heart disease who take drugs known as nitrates can develop dangerously low blood pressure if they take Viagra.
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