Recreational Viagra use can cause ironic complications

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By Dr. Sam Benjamin
Originally published: Jul 30, 2012 - 11:59 am

(AP Photo)

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Increasingly, men with no erectile dysfunction to speak of are seeking out in doctor's offices and on the internet drugs like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra in order to have more erections that last longer and "harder."

It's not different than men seeking male steroids (testosterone or doping) in order to build muscle strength. Men are looking to be "super," in this case, the super stud!

But, can recreational ED (Erectile Dysfunction)drugs lead to ED when the user really does not need assistance?

It appears that indeed, men who use ED drugs when they do not really need them may be more likely to develop psychogenic ED, the type that originates in the mind, according to new research.

"Recreational use of ED medications increased the chance of psychological dependence on ED medicines," said researcher Dr. Christopher Harte, a postdoctoral fellow at the VA Boston Healthcare System. "Among young, healthy men who used ED medicines recreationally, the more frequent ED medicine use was associated with lower confidence in achieving and maintaining erections, which in turn was associated with lower erectile function."

Now, here's another zinger if you are contemplating using one of these drugs for fun and games: although rare, you can lose your vision (it's not reversible) or your hearing (no treatment known if this happens.

Now, I understand that you might take the risk if you could not get or maintain and erection. But, if your parts are working right, is it worth the risk of going blind for just another episode or so of pleasure? Not for me!

In a moment of intimacy, I opt for being able to see and hear the experience!

Dr. Sam Benjamin, M.D. - Integrative Medicine, weekend show host

www.vydox.com