Increasingly younger demographics in South Africa are turning to Viagra to solve a problem traditionally attributed exclusively to older men in what some would describe as a loosening of long-held stigmas about male erectile dysfunction. Perceptions about Viagra use in South Africa are reflected by modern society in general. The average person’s typical views of the drug can be less than flattering, causing many younger users especially to hide or try to cover up their Viagra usage.
Since the late 1990s, Viagra has been primarily used for erectile dysfunction with some limited prescriptions for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Production began in America first but gradually spread to the rest of the world. It gained notoriety for its ability to let older men continue sexual activity in their later years, and for users who don’t fit that stereotype, the drug’s reputation can be quite difficult to escape. In reality, the bulk of Viagra users aren’t senior citizens at all. According to Pfizer, the company that produces Viagra, the bulk of their clients are actually in their early fifties, with many others being much younger. Pfizer hasn’t shied away from trying to court younger men into trying their product, though getting it to catch on with mainstream youth culture may prove challenging.
The Impotence Institute of America has been vocal in trying to dismantle some common beliefs about erectile dysfunction. There are several medical conditions that can inhibit sexual activity in younger males, including the way we eat, stress, and their psychological state. The hardening of arteries, which can start occurring during teenage years, can block blood flow necessary to maintain an erection. Social stigma is a strong obstacle for young men faced with a problem few even know exists or are willing to talk about openly.
But the conversation is starting to change. More and more young men are turning to the little blue pill as a solution for physiological or mental inhibitions preventing them from maintaining an erection, as well as recreational purposes. In otherwise healthy sexually-active adult males, Viagra can reduce the resting period between erections and improve overall sexual performance. Some Sydney men, when questioned about whether they’d used the drug, admitted to popping a Viagra as a self-confidence booster, or to perform under certain circumstances, such as the morning after a night of heavy drinking or to meet a promiscuous partner’s expectations. Others claimed the modern prevalence of pornography has influenced their ability to maintain an erection, so they’ve been forced to rely on Viagra. Porn is a common reference for sexual performance issues in general, with some stating it creates strong feelings of inadequacy.
There are growing worries of a downside to youth usage of Viagra. It’s affect on younger men is not as well studied as older subjects, prompting concerns of potential negative effects on development or long term health. Standard side effects of Viagra include headaches, upset stomach, muscle pain, and nausea. If a younger male has heart problems or takes nitrates as part of an unrelated condition the results can be quite alarming, with some men reporting the drug actively made their heart conditions more dangerous.
Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.