The recreational use of erectile dysfunction medications is making more and more headlines. It’s not just because of new studies released showing the prevalence and danger of such things. Rather, it is the high profile celebrities that are embroiled in the stories. Big Boi, the rapper who is one half of superstar hip-hop group OutKast, was arrested in August of 2011 in Miami and booked with possession of controlled substances, including a famous PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. He was also found with ecstasy pills and MDMA powder, while marijuana was found in the bags of people in his party.

So does Big Boi have erectile dysfunction? That is hardly the story! He might struggle with erectile dysfunction, but it could be from side effects of other drug use. More important is to note that ED drugs are finding their way into the custody of people using street drugs. What are the causes of this recreational use of ED drugs? Are they safe? What does this say about the changing culture in the United States?

Recreational Use of ED Drugs Reaching Epic Proportions

A study published in the August 2010 issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported on the increasing use of erectile dysfunction medications as recreational drugs. According to the study, the average age of ED pill users is getting lower and lower; this is more than just a sign that ED is afflicting younger men. The cause of this increase is at least partly due to recreational use among younger men. In American men 18-30, 21.5 percent admitted to using Viagra recreationally. Of these 21.5 percent, 73.3 percent said they did it more than once. The study shows that this group of younger men are often practicing frequent, unsafe sex. They tend not to use condoms, which means they are more vulnerable to disease. Another finding that men using ED drugs recreationally are more likely to be HIV positive supports this claim. The fact that men are using ED drugs in increasing numbers is clear from the sales figures of the major pharmaceutical companies. What is less clear is exactly why, since it is unlikely an ED epidemic is so far reaching.

Why People Use ED Drugs Recreationally

As in the case of Big Boi, these drugs are rarely found in isolation. Users tend to also use alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, or methamphetamine. All of these other drugs are often cited in use for either sexual ritual or increased sexual perception or performance. The four mentioned above are also known to cause temporary erectile dysfunction.

The theory is that people party with other drugs and when it comes time for sex, they need something else to be able to perform. They turn to PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra.

Some recreational users have claimed that ED meds lead to increased sexual sensations, long and harder erections, and delayed ejaculation. There is no evidence, however, that this is true. A psychiatrist contacted for this article suggested that the effects may be due to the confidence of the user being increased.

Drugs are said to be necessary for frequent sexual encounters.

Is Viagra Safe for Recreational Use?

In a word, no. Combined with other drugs, it can be dangerous. It may dangerously lower blood pressure.

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