FirstMed Consulting Blog

There has been a lot of focus in the press recently highlighting the link between Erectile Dysfunction treatments such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra and sexually transmitted infections. The implication being that ED treatments encourage the kind of risky sexual behaviour which can result in contracting sexually transmitted infections. One such article appeared in the LONDON PAPER on Monday 27th November and related the tale of a man who apparently got a Viagra prescription from his GP after explaining his fear of latex. He goes on to say that as a result his ‘indomitable dick’ defeated several packets of condoms and he contracted an STI.

There are several problems with this story. Firstly, no GP would prescribe Viagra to cure a latex phobia before sending the patient for psychological assessment. ED treatments are notoriously difficult to obtain on the NHS and are generally restricted to those suffering from chronic illnesses such as Prostate Cancer, Diabetes and those with Spinal Injuries. Secondly the whole inference of the article is that Viagra leads to STI’s. While it is true to say that Viagra is not without it’s side effects, STI’s aren’t one of them. Contracting an sexually transmitted infection is a behavioral problem not a pharmaceutical one. It is unprotected sex that leads to a rise in STI’s, not ED treatments.

Having said that, although the drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction have generally been proven safe, recreational use of these drugs is associated with higher risks of sexually-transmitted diseases (STD’s), including HIV.While no direct link can be made between Viagra and STI transmission, misuse of Viagra is cause for concern, especially when judgment is impaired by alcohol or other drugs. At this time it is wise for men who use Viagra or other ED drugs to be cautious, get regular and routine STD and HIV screening, and reduce one’s risk of getting infected. Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra are not supposed to be used as performance enhancement drugs especially in combination with other substances– that’s not why these drugs were approved or why physicians prescribe them.