In recent years, demand for “Viagra” and other erectile dysfunction medications has increased significantly among young people worldwide. However, these medications are primarily intended for middle-aged men. Why have these medications become popular among young people, and what risks do they pose? was figuring it out Telegram channel DOGGY News.
Alexander's Story :
“I started taking the pills when I was 22. A friend gave me his prescription.”, — said 27-year-old Alexander. He has a regular job, but in his free time he works as an escort to supplement his income.
According to Alexander, at first he used erectile dysfunction medications only occasionally—before heading out to work his side job as an escort. At the time, he was depressed, so he often—though not always—had trouble getting an erection. When people told Alexander that he was too young to take “Viagra,” he replied that the medication helped him feel more confident.
After a while, the man began using injectable erectile dysfunction medications—the injections have to be administered directly into the penis. Alexander insists that This method (unlike pills) definitely won't let you down when it matters most. He also says that he feels emotionally vulnerable, and that “Viagra” has become a source of support for him.
It’s true, though, that doctors are skeptical about “Viagra” injections instead of pills. “We use them for medical testing. This practice is like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.”, — noted surgeon François Peinado.
Erectile dysfunction is becoming increasingly common among young men
Alexander’s situation is far from unique. Young men’s interest in “Viagra” is a problem that dates back to the end of the last century. For example, Express Scripts conducted a survey to determine which age group showed the strongest increase in interest in erectile dysfunction medication between 1998 and 2002. It turned out that it was Men aged 18 to 45: Demand for the medication among this group rose by 312 percent.
And in 2022, Vitatris conducted a similar study.
The findings revealed that about 60 percent of men who use erectile dysfunction medications are between the ages of 25 and 54.
“Just 30 years ago, erectile dysfunction was virtually unheard of among young men, but now I see a young patient every day.”, — noted urologist Eduard Garcia.
Furthermore, Dr. Saif Chatu states that, according to forecasts, the global market for erectile dysfunction medications is expected to grow even further by 2028, reaching more than two billion dollars. One of the main reasons for this is that men of all ages—including young men—are experiencing erectile dysfunction with increasing frequency.
Why do young men experience erectile dysfunction?
As Sergey Tsvetkov, a urologist and andrologist at Lahta Clinic, explained, erectile dysfunction can result from hormonal imbalances, as well as arterial and venous insufficiency, which is diagnosed using an ultrasound of the penile vessels. In addition, one of the causes is neurological disorders resulting from various injuries and following traffic accidents.
However, psychological issues are most commonly identified during consultations with young men who have erectile dysfunction. For example, negative past experiences or the fear of sexual failure.
In addition, numerous studies have found a link between erectile dysfunction in men under 40 and viewing pornography.
Scientists at the Kinsey Institute were among the first to identify this pattern. They found that frequent viewing of adult films leads to a decrease in penile sensitivity and the need for more extreme, specialized, and deviant material to become aroused.
“Pornography creates unrealistic expectations about sexual relationships. Many young people try to emulate these role models, striving to replicate them in bed.”, — added sexologist Mayara Magalhães. Experts note that this creates yet another problem: men who do not have serious erectile dysfunction problems are starting to take Viagra.
Why do young men take “Viagra”?
A survey by the *Journal of Sexual Medicine* found that 44.9 percent of men took “Viagra” to achieve more erections during a single sexual encounter, 27.5 percent to achieve a single longer-lasting erection, and the rest simply out of curiosity.
“Young people today take these drugs because they want to improve their performance, but they do so without medical supervision and without having any sexual health issues.”, — said Dr. Amado Bechara.
In addition, "Viagra" is popular among people who exercise regularly. Men take it to promote an intense rush of blood to their muscles.
However, according to urologist Dimas Lemos Antunes, There is no scientific evidence that using this supplement helps improve performance at the gym. “They ignore the fact that exercise alone is enough to boost blood circulation.”, — said Deizi Motta, scientific director of the Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health.
Is “Viagra” safe?
Taking this medication, especially without a doctor's prescription, certainly carries many risks. First, when buying “Viagra,” it’s easy to end up with a counterfeit. For example, Pfizer cited statistics showing that about 80 percent of websites that claim to sell genuine products are actually selling counterfeits. Moreover, these medications often contain various harmful substances.
Meanwhile, the World Customs Organization released a report stating that “Viagra” has become the world’s most counterfeited brand.
Second, every brand-name drug has a generic version—a medication containing the same active ingredient, which is usually significantly cheaper. The risk with generics is that the quality of the raw materials used and the degree of purification vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Third, erectile dysfunction medications have a large number of side effects. Dr. Adolfo Casabe stated that because of its vasodilatory effect, “Viagra” can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure, which is often accompanied by tachycardia, paleness, general malaise, and nausea. Urologist Mario Roberto Ramos warned of the risk of heart attack, stroke, and loss of vision and hearing associated with taking the drug.
Priapism may also occur—an erection lasting several hours, which can lead to necrosis if not treated promptly.
“Other symptoms include rash, skin redness, heart failure, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, back pain, muscle pain, and blood in the urine. These are actually quite common,” – Tsvetkov noted.
Fourth, "Viagra" is often used at parties where illegal substances and alcohol are present. Such interaction could pose a serious danger. “With this mixture, we really don’t know what will happen to the medications”, – explained Kasabe. According to him, alcohol and drugs can enhance the vasodilatory effect of “Viagra,” which would only intensify the side effects listed above.
Fifth, as Roman Alekseev, a urologist and andrologist at Ecofamily Clinic, noted in an interview, psychological dependence can develop as a result of long-term use of the medication.
“This is a real risk when the drug is used prophylactically at a young age. A dangerous illusion takes hold: a man begins to view the pill as a prerequisite for successful sexual intercourse.”, — Roman notes.
According to the specialist, sooner or later a man will develop a fear of failure without the medication, as well as the conviction that only the pill can guarantee an erection. In reality, however, it creates a false sense of control over the situation. Self-prescribing “Viagra” for preventive purposes will significantly worsen the situation in the long run, the doctor concluded.
Sixth, dependence on the drug may develop. As Peinado explained, over time, the dosage of “Viagra” will only increase. At some point, however, the drug will lose its effectiveness entirely.
What alternatives are there to “Viagra”?
As Chatu explained, if young people want to improve their sex lives, they need first and foremost to adopt a healthy lifestyle: exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid stressful situations.
In addition, natural remedies such as ginkgo biloba and red ginseng may be helpful. They have shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction, but further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, the specialist noted.
The doctor also noted that if you are experiencing anxiety, relationship problems, or mental health issues in general, you should see a psychologist. “Consultation can be a very effective way to address these issues. A specialist can help determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and medical history.”, – he emphasized.
Urologist and andrologist Alexander Lubennikov cited another secret to good sexual function as body confidence. According to him, success in the bedroom depends not only on leading a healthy lifestyle, but also on having an open and trusting relationship with your partner. Physically speaking, there will be no problems with potency as long as testosterone levels are normal and there are no circulation issues, the doctor added.
To maintain sexual health, Lubennikov also advised people to quit smoking both regular and e-cigarettes and to avoid alcohol.
Urologist Rena Malik cited cardio exercise as the most effective way to improve erectile function without medical intervention. “Erectile problems are often linked to heart health and blood circulation, so it makes perfect sense that aerobic exercise would benefit both,” the doctor explained.
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