Recreational Use of PDE5 Inhibitors by Young Healthy Men: Recognizing This Issue Among Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction In recent years, recreational use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors has become popular as a sexual enhancement aid among some men without erectile dysfunction (ED) and even among women. Aim The aim of the present study, therefore, was to investigate the recreational use of PDE5 among young and healthy men. Main Outcome Measures We evaluated the use of PDE5 inhibitors among young and healthy men, their main reasons for using these drugs, and their expectations regarding its effects. Methods A survey was carried out among 167 male medical students (21.2 ± 2.3 years, range 17–31). The surveys were divided into domains, assessing epidemiological data, use of PDE5 inhibitor, and the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Results All men considered themselves with perfect erectile function. However, 9% reported previous use of PDE5 inhibitors. Of these, 46.7% had used PDE5 inhibitors more than three times, and 71.4% had mixed them with alcohol. Among this group of men, 13.3% had ED according to the IIEF-5. ED occurring with condom use, however, was twice more common, and 71.4% of the men who had taken PDE5 inhibitors thought that the drug had potential to facilitate condom use. Conclusion In conclusion, the use of PDE5 inhibitors by young men is more frequent than previously reported. Condom-related ED seems to be an underestimated problem, frequently solved with PDE5 inhibitors. However, potential deleterious effects might exist. Because PDE5 inhibitors are being used as non-prescribed drugs by as much as 9% of young men, further studies must evaluate the effects of these drugs in young and healthy men.

Recreational Use of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors and Its Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Male Students In An Ethiopian University: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our population reported that they used PDE5 inhibitors to enhance their sexual performance by improving erectile sensation and increasing penile rigidity. Similar to other studies, a high percentage (71.5%) of PDE5 inhibitor users liked to use them with alcohol and other illicit drugs [3,[18][19][20]. More than half (56.5%) received these drugs from a friend, and they also reported that they can easily access PDE5 inhibitors as non-prescribed drugs.…”

“…The recreational use of PDE5 inhibitors with other substances can have potentially serious side effects. Moreover, most of the PDE5 inhibitor users frequently reported side effects such as headache, blurred vision, longer duration of action, and dizziness; these side effects have also been reported in previous studies [3,4,25]. We used 2 standardized SEAR and IIEF questionnaires with a cross-sectional study method to assess erectile function, sexual relationships, and confidence.…”

“…This use without indication can have an impact on sexual function, relationships with partners, and selfesteem. Moreover, very few studies have addressed the use of PDE5 inhibitors in students [3,[15][16][17]. This is the first study reporting the prevalence of PDE5 inhibitor use among university students in Ethiopia.…”

Drug consumption among medical students in São Paulo, Brazil: influences of gender and academic year

“…In reality, medical students have revealed significant vulnerability with regard to engaging in health risk behavior, 21 a paradoxical situation that has been a matter for concern worldwide [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] and in Brazil. [14][15][16][17][18][19][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] A cross-sectional study on drug use among medical students at FMUSP, carried out in 1991, 1992 and 1993, found that alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants and tranquilizers were the drugs most commonly consumed. 39 The medical students consumed these drugs with the aim of improving academic performance, reducing fatigue, alleviating psychological tension and compensating for the lack of leisure time commonly observed among such students.…”

Prevalence of Sexual Problems in Portugal: Results of a Population-Based Study Using a Stratified Sample of Men Aged 18 to 70 Years

“…Research has shown that sexually healthy young men are using recreational drugs (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy) specifically for sexual enhancement purposes, engaging in high-risk sexual behavior and seriously risk compromising their future sex lives (Castilla, Barrio, Belza, & Fuente, 1999;Donovan & McEwan, 1995;McElrath, 2005;Yang & Donatucci, 2006). Additionally, recreational use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, often mixed with alcohol or other substances, has also become popular among young and sexually healthy men as a sexual enhancement aid (Korkes, Costa-Matos, Gasperini, Reginato, & Perez, 2008). Although current programs have been proven of great value in raising youth awareness for such topics, we hope that they can be expanded in the future and address other equally important sexual health concerns (e.g., sexual performance concerns, body concerns) that help young people developing an enjoyable but responsible sexuality.…”