Drug specialist warns against casual Viagra use

By : John Nixon | Published : Friday September 24, 2010 | Posted in : Men's Health | Comments

A member of Ghana's Food and Drug Board has warned youngsters against recreational Viagra use.

"Our vibrant youth do not need any assistance in the form of medicines to aid sexual performance, since they are still sexually strong," said Joseph Yaw-Bernie Bennie, Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDB.

Mr Bennie was speaking during an interview with Ghanaian publication The Daily Guide. He suggested that young men who take impotence drugs are "punishing themselves because they could become impotent by age 40".

On the rise?

Recreational Viagra use may be a rising problem, not just in Ghana, but around the world.

Earlier this year a journalist reported that more and more young men in Argentina were taking Viagra, in order to last longer in bed. One 23-year-old who spoke to the reporter said "my girlfriend asked me to continue taking it.. I had the feeling of having failed."

Aside from being unable to provide a repeat performance each time they have sex, young men who take Viagra recreationally may become psychologically dependent on the drug. Viagra is not physically addictive.

Viagra may also react badly with illegal drugs. The report from Argentina suggested many youngsters there were taking Viagra following nights out partying, which involved drink and drugs.

Misunderstandings

Many young men who take Viagra may be misunderstanding what the drug actually does. Viagra is an erectile dysfunction medication. It opens up blood vessels to the penis, making an erection possible. However, it is not an aphrodisiac – it will not induce feelings of sexual desire or sexual pleasure (aside from making the sexual experience last for longer).

Young people who actually suffer from erectile dysfunction may benefit from the drug. But young men with impotence are usually experiencing it because of anxiety. Combating anxiety, for instance through counselling, may be one of the best ways to prevent impotence.

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