Did you know that the drug Viagra was discovered by accident?
Initially the drug was meant to treat cardiovascular conditions, however it was quickly discovered that the drug could target and treat erectile dysfunction.
In the UK, Viagra can be given to anyone over the age of 18 to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction, although is typically prescribed to those over 50, yet recently there has been an increasing trend of younger men accessing Viagra.
Access to Viagra
Over the past few years, attitudes towards Viagra have evolved: it used to be a prescription only drug but has now become available behind the counter in pharmacies. With a brief conversation, not a consultation, you can access Viagra or you can even order the medication online with no need to see a medical professional in person or have a conversation with a GP.
What age groups are using it?
Current research suggests that there has been an increase in people aged under 30 consuming Viagra, one online pharmacy suggested that ‘more than 60 per cent of UK users are between 25 and 54 years old’ (Vitatris, 2022). This highlights an extremely high figure of younger people accessing Viagra through online methods.
Why are people using Viagra?
There are a few reasons that younger men and people with penis’ are turning to Viagra as a solution to a number of issues. One suggested reason is to combat anxiety and psychological distress around sexual performance. For some, approaching a GP to discuss these kinds of topics does not feel like it is a suitable option, due to feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or abnormal, therefore they are using pharmaceutical interventions instead. Some are even using Viagra as a form of reassurance when having new sexual encounters, whilst others are using Viagra to ensure an erection whilst using recreational drugs.
Performance anxiety is an extremely common occurrence however it is very rarely spoken about, often the cause of erectile dysfunction in younger people. Usually erectile dysfunction in those aged over 50s have physiological causes such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, whilst in younger men the cause is often rooted in lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and even porn addiction; this can result in young men becoming desensitized to ‘normal’ or ‘realistic’ sex.
Are there risks with long term Viagra use?
Long term use of Viagra can result in a psychological dependency as well as having harmful impact to an individual’s physical health, especially if not being supervised/ monitored by a medical professional. Also, with the rise of online sales of Viagra, there has also been a rise in number of counterfeit medication being sold which again carries its own risk to the consumer.
If you would like to receive support with any of these topics, SASH is here to help.
‘I was really struggling to get it up’: Why younger men are turning to Viagra | The Independent
Who can and cannot take sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The Rise of Viagra in Younger Man - Is it save to take Viagra in Your 20s? - Dr Andrews - Dr Andrews
Viagra Use in Young Men: Is it Necessary, and is it Safe? | ED Clinics