The growing trend of taking erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs recreationally has become a significant concern among medical professionals. ED medications like Viagra and Cialis are becoming increasingly accessible, and their misuse can lead to severe health complications.
With social media platforms being bombarded with advertisements for easy-to-access ED medications, men are increasingly taking these drugs to enhance their sexual performance. However, health professionals strongly advise against this practice, stating that the risks far outweigh the benefits.
That’s a hard no, Cleveland Clinic urologist Raevti Bole, MD warns.
Erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra and Cialis, along with their affordable generic counterparts, work as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. While these medicines have legitimate clinical uses in treating conditions like pulmonary hypertension, they’re most commonly known for their role in treating ED by increasing blood flow to the penis, leading to better and longer-lasting erections.
Many men who can achieve erections satisfactory for sexual intercourse are resorting to these medications, believing they can enhance their sexual performance. However, health experts argue that if one can get a satisfactory erection, they likely don’t have ED and thus, don’t require these medications.
“PDE5 medications can increase oxygen levels and heart function in people who have cardiac risk factors or cardiac disease,” says Dr. Bole. “For people who are healthy, there’s no good evidence that the medications significantly improve athletic abilities in a standard, sea-level environment.”
The misuse of these drugs can sometimes mask serious underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, which could be the actual cause of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any ED medication.
According to medical professionals, several reasons drive men to misuse these drugs. Some use them to compensate for the effects of alcohol or drug use, to enable longer or multiple sexual sessions, or simply to boost confidence. Some users even take these medications to enhance their stamina during workouts, a use that has no scientific evidence supporting it.
Potential Risks of Misuse
The misuse of ED drugs can result in several health risks, including:
- Dangerous Drug Interactions: Since PDE5 inhibitors reduce blood pressure, combining them with other drugs that have the same effect can be life-threatening. It’s crucial to discuss any supplements, recreational drugs, or prescribed medications with a healthcare provider before starting an ED medication.
- Common Side Effects: Mild side effects such as headaches, acid reflux, facial flushing, muscle aches, stuffy nose, and changes in vision are common among users of these drugs. A rare but serious side effect is priapism, a painful and potentially damaging condition where the erection lasts for hours.
- Psychological Dependency: Over-reliance on these drugs can lead to psychological dependency, where the user becomes anxious about performing sexually without the aid of the medicine.
- Unreliable Suppliers: The easy accessibility of these drugs through various online vendors and even local stores poses another risk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against dietary supplements that may contain PDE5 inhibitors, as their quality and safety are not guaranteed.
- Increased High-Risk Behaviors: The use of ED drugs in combination with alcohol or drugs can lead to risky sexual behaviors and increase the chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Before starting any ED medication, whether for medical or recreational use, it’s highly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider. This is not only crucial for safety reasons, but also because erectile dysfunction could be a symptom of more serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or low testosterone levels.
Healthcare providers can provide guidance and help set realistic expectations, develop strategies to improve confidence, and offer alternatives to medication. Open conversations about sexual health are common in medical settings, and patients should not feel embarrassed or alone.
