FirstMed Consulting Blog

Since its launch back in 1998 Viagra has undoubtedly had a significant impact on sexual norms and patterns. Prior to the so-called ‘magic blue pill’ revolution, it was assumed that couples over a certain age were spending more time in the garden center than in the boudoir. These days it’s a different story altogether. There are countless stories about the negative impact Viagra has had on marriages. In fact the number of Viagra divorces is well documented. What all this implies is that Viagra has turned men into sex crazed fiends, a state which is at odds with their wives. Stories abound about how Viagra has made men more interested in sex (wherever they can get it) and how women over a certain age have lost interest in sex completely. I wonder how accurate this portrayal is? Is seems insulting to both sexes to suggest that men have no self control or preference for who they sleep with and that women have no interest in having sex with their husbands.

I recently read a study which told a different story. Impotence drugs may do more than help men physically have sex — they may also boost levels of a hormone linked with feelings of love. Scientists have found that the little blue pill stimulates production of the love hormone oxytocin, which is believed to promote romantic feelings and bonding between couples. The chemical is released during orgasm and also has an important role in social interaction, childbirth and breastfeeding. This discovery that anti-impotence drugs can also make men love their women more seems to fly in the face of previous portrayals of Viagra as a marriage wrecking ball.