‘Viagra does not improve relationships’

Viagra - the brand name of the generic drug sildenafil - treats erectile dysfunction by relaxing the smooth muscles of the penis and increasing blood flow.

Viagra - the brand name of the generic drug sildenafil - treats erectile dysfunction by relaxing the smooth muscles of the penis and increasing blood flow.

Published Dec 2, 2013

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London - Viagra and other drugs used to treat impotence do not significantly improve men’s relationships, according to researchers.

Scientists reviewed 40 clinical trials to examine how taking the medication changed men’s lives.

The trials involved PDE5 inhibitors, the name for a category of drugs which includes Viagra, which work by relaxing the blood vessels.

Before the start of the studies participants reported their quality of life and relationships were “relatively good” but that they experienced issues with sexual satisfaction. Many of these men also had symptoms of depression.

But at the end of the trials, the researchers found participants didn’t report an improvement in their overall life satisfaction or their overall relationship satisfaction.

Experts say the study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, highlights that while the drugs may help with physical issues, psychological barriers remain.

Dr Andrew Kramer, of the University of Maryland Medical Centre, told website LiveScience: “It’s simplistic to think that fixing an erection issue would solve relationship issues. Happiness is very complicated. A lot of couples still need additional therapy.”

The research paper added that there was “growing evidence the negative effects of erectile dysfunction extend beyond the inability to have sex, and impact men’s emotional and psychological well-being.

“Treatments that target both physical and psychosocial aspects of ED are likely to be the most effective treatments for men with ED,” the study said. Though erectile dysfunction is more common in older men – affecting around 65 percent of over-60s – around 40 percent of men will have suffered from the problem by the age of 40.

Dr Arun Ghosh, a GP specialising in sexual health at the Spire Liverpool Hospital, added: “One of the main roles of any treatment is to give men a psychological boost. It’s vitally important to use treatment alongside some kind of sexual counselling or therapy, even if the cause is due to something physical such as diabetes.” - Daily Mail

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