MORE YOUNG MEN ARE TAKING VIAGRA
From Erectile Dysfunction to Sexual Enhancer

Aug. 5, 2004 --- Erectile dysfunction apparently isn't just an older man's problem anymore. Young men, even some who are college-aged, are leading the surge in Viagra use.

New research indicates that the use of Viagra skyrocketed 312 percent among men aged 18-45 between 1998 and 2002. There's also been a twofold increase --- 216 percent -- among men between ages 45 and 55, says Tom Delate, PhD, whose research analyzed data on medical insurance claims by some 5 million patients across the country.

"We tried to see if these patients had an underlying medical condition and we couldn't identify one in the majority," says Delate, director of research for Express Scripts, Inc., a St. Louis-based firm that conducts pharmaceutical research for insurers, managed care organizations, and other companies.

"What we found was that problems typically seem to start in a man's 40s and affected only about 40% of the men in these age groups."

Does this suggest a growing trend in using the drug for recreational rather than medical purposes -- such as for a sex enhancer?

"That would be my guess," Delate tells WebMD. [WebMD -- Young Men Lead Surge in Viagra Use]

Viagra or sildenafil citrate, manufactured by Pfizer, is fast becoming a lifestyle drug for most young men. They are using it not because they have an underlying medical reason like erectile dysfunction but as a sexual enhancer: an agent to boost their sexual performance in bed.

Another notable finding is that "two in three prescriptions came from primary care physicians, rather than urologists," according to the same study.

Part of the reason for this development can also be traced to Pfizer's shift to direct-to-consumer advertising methods.

Former senator Bob Dole, who pitched Viagra to treat a common problem for men in his age group, has been replaced by younger drug "spokesmen" such as under-40 baseball player Rafael Palmeiro. Just weeks ago in Venezuela, 63-year-old soccer legend Pele was dropped as that country's Viagra pitchman in favor of a popular 40-year-old game show host for a new $2 million marketing campaign. [WebMD ]

This is quite alarming. I have always subscribed to the dictum that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Now, young men are popping Viagra like it's Advil. Primary care physicians acquiescing to young male patients' requests is also bad news. They should not be dictated upon by their patients. Another illegal source of Viagra is the Internet, wherein enterprising companies offer it without prescription.

Taking Viagra without an underlying medical reason can be dangerous, especially if you have a heart condition or a history of heart disease. If you are male, under 40, and you worry too much about not being able to "perform well" in bed, that's just psychological. Believe me, you don't need it...yet.

Click on this link for enlightenment: VIAGRA Is Not for Everyone

For the best opinion, consult a urologist.