Increasing use and abuse of sildenafil (Viagra®) has been studied among gay men and the results show that there is an increased risk of STDs and HIV infection. Men are also mixing Viagra® with other drugs such as methamphetamine to dramatically heighten their sexual experiences.
Medical Uses of Viagra®
Viagra® is prescribed by physicians for patients who suffer not only from erectile dysfunction, but also hypertension. In the August 2007 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch, it was reported that Viagra® successfully treats pulmonary hypertension and has potential to treat several other conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, high cholesterol and other heart diseases.
Cialis® and Levitra® are also erectile dysfunction medications that are in competition with Viagra®. They all work by the same means and have similar side effects that include headaches and facial flushing.
Ecstasy and Viagra®
Many men who take ecstasy will experience erectile dysfunction because this is a side effect associated with taking this drug. As a result, men will take Viagra® to counteract the side effect and the combination of these drugs is called trail mix, sexstasy or poppers. Together they produce an intense synergistic effect. This is very dangerous and can result in heart attack, stroke, other serious medical conditions and even death.
Both Viagra® and ecstasy cause priapism, a condition in which an erection can last for four hours and can lead to permanent damage.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Another serious problem associated with combining these two drugs is that when a person is under the influence of ecstasy and engages in sexual activity, it opens the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Ecstasy loosens inhibitions and for many, the thought of using protection escapes the mind.
This problem has been studied among men who engage in sexual relations with other men. In the 2004 research paper, “Sildenafil use, sexual risk behavior, and risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection,” Sean Swearingen BA and Jeffery Klausner, MD, MPH, found that many gay men frequently use Viagra® (sildenafil) and several showed independent associations between use of the drug and sexual risk-taking behavior. Other findings reported in this research include:
- HIV-positive men were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease if they used Viagra® compared with non-users.
- Men recently diagnosed with HIV were 2.5 times more likely to use Viagra® than other men who have sex with men.
- 54% of users mixed Viagra® with other drugs to enhance the sexual experience, such as crystal meth, ecstasy, and ketamine.
This paper also states that there is a need to conduct further research among more varied participants in order to obtain a multi-faceted response to reduce the misuse of sildenafil.
Viagra® has helped thousands of men and will continue to do so as it truly is a miracle drug for those with erectile dysfunction. However, more public education and awareness programs are needed to help teach men that mixing Viagra® with other drugs without a physician's approval, may cost them their life.
Sources:
Harvard Health Publications. Press Release: Viagra® and Pulmonary Hypertension
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Medical News: San Francisco: Increased Risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Transmission Among Gay or Bisexual Men Who Use Viagra®." Retrieved December 3, 2002.
WebMd. Viagra® Abuse Linked to Risky Sexual Behavior. News Story # 20050526
American Journal of Medicine. Volume 118, Issue 6. June 2005. “Sildenafil use, sexual risk behavior, and risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.” Sean Swearingen BA and Jeffery Klausner, MD, MPH
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