Sildenafil, the fancy name for viagra, is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor which increases cGMP levels by preventing its degradation, thus causing vasodilation and lowering both systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures. This increases blood flow in the penis, which helps achieve and maintain a state of erection.

Over the past few decades, Viagra has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and improved the quality of life for millions of men worldwide. Since its introduction in 1998 by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Viagra has been a game-changer in the field of sexual medicine. Its active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing men to achieve and maintain erections. As a prescription medication, it was originally intended to help men aged 40 and above with erectile difficulties caused by age-related conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and naturally occuring age-related testosterone decrease. However, during the last couple of years, the drug has seen a dramatic shift in usage, with a concerning trend emerging: the recreational use of Viagra among young men under 40.

Quick snapshot of the phenomenon

Increasing trend: Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable surge in the recreational use of Viagra among young men between the ages of 18 and 40. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the percentage of young men using Viagra without a medical prescription has more than doubled. Another study published in the journal Frontier in medicine found that sildenafil is used for recreational purpose twice as much as it is used for real erectile dysfunction, 66.2% and 33.8% respectively. This trend is even more concerning because it creeped its way into college classrooms. A survey conducted by the Journal of American College Health revealed that around 20% of male college students had experimented with Viagra at least once, despite not having any medical need for it. What are the reasons behind this trend?

Reasons Behind the Trend:

1. Peer Pressure: In an increasingly connected world, social media and peer pressure can influence young men to experiment with Viagra to fit into a perceived standard of masculinity and sexual prowess.
2. Performance Anxiety: Many young men may turn to Viagra to enhance their sexual performance, overcome performance anxiety, or impress their partners, even if they do not suffer from ED. One of the other advantages that viagra bring for some men is they do not have to worry about fully aroused to get a full erection.
3. Curiosity and Misinformation: The lack of accurate information about Viagra’s potential risks and side effects, combined with curiosity, may lead some young men to use the drug irresponsibly.
4. Substance Abuse: Recreational Viagra use may coincide with substance abuse, such as alcohol or illegal drugs, further endangering users’ health.
5. Online availability: The advent of online pharmacies has made it easier for young men to obtain Viagra without a prescription. Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that a significant portion of online Viagra sales targets young adults seeking recreational use.
6. Real erectile dysfunction: One could argue that men aged 18 to 40 are not supposed to have hard times getting it up. However, many factors seem to be putting together to drag the this problem into this age groupe. We are not going to get into the details now, but it is worth mentioning that online porn is one of the culprits.

Health Risks and Concerns:

The recreational use of Viagra poses several health risks and concerns for young men:

1. Cardiovascular Risks: Sildenafil citrate can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure, especially when combined with certain recreational drugs, such as alcohol, potentially resulting in cardiovascular complications. The number of emergency room visits related to the recreational use of Viagra has seen a concerning rise. A report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2023 indicated that over the past two years, there was a 45% increase in emergency room visits involving young men who misused Viagra.
2. Psychological dependency: Regular recreational use of Viagra can create psychological dependency, making it challenging for young men to perform sexually without the drug.
3. Side Effects: Viagra can cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and vision disturbances, which can be amplified in non-medical users.

These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness campaigns, open dialogues about sexual health, and responsible use of pharmaceutical medications. By addressing the root causes driving this trend and providing accurate information, we can work towards promoting safer sexual practices and protecting the well-being of our young generation.

Yours in good health

MDLINE HEALTH