Viagra and younger men

Move over Bob Dole, Viagra is no longer for seniors only. Young men are turning to Viagra.

The drug which was designed to treat Erectile Dysfunction or Impotency that most commonly affects older men is now being increasingly used by younger men. Its use by younger men has grown more than threefold since it was launched in 1998, according to a study appearing in the Aug. 5 issue of the International Journal of Impotence Research.

Since 1998 Viagra has worked for millions of men. However, new research suggests a growing number of men - younger men - are not using Viagra for erectile dysfunction. They're using it for recreation. And in an attempt to enhance their sex lives. Researchers looked at more than five million insured American adults. They found Viagra use is surging among younger, healthy men. The 18 to 45 years olds happen to be the fastest growing segment of users. Since 1998 their use soared 312 percent.

Prescriptions for Viagra grew fastest between 1998 and 2002 among men who were younger than 55 years old, with the annual number of prescriptions more than tripling for under-46-year-olds, according to a study. The percentage of Viagra users with an underlying medical condition decreased over the same period.

According to Pfizer data, only 8 percent of men who use Viagra are between 34 and 40. About 26 percent are between the ages of 40 and 49, and 36 percent are between 50 and 59. The average age of Viagra user is 53. Men over 56 remain Viagra's most frequent users.

Viagra is a safe drug, particularly for young, healthy men.In a healthy population, side effects are usually minor and temporary, such as headache, facial flushing, stuffy nose, and blurred vision.But the Flip side of this use by younger men is that when young men combine Viagra with club drugs such as Ecstasy or even worse, amyl nitrate or poppers, it can cause serious drops in blood pressure. This can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

VIAGRA can be harmful when mixed with other drugs. It is important that people see a doctor if they feel they are bothered by erectile dysfunction, not just because they want to use it as a supplement.