LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Safe: |
by Salvatore Seeley |
Up With Viagra Viagra is a wonder drug. It has and will change the way men have sex as much as the way the pill influenced the way women have sex. Yes, there are problems with the pill but no one who studies the history of contraception would suggest it should have never existed. It's the same with Viagra. How Viagra works Getting an erection requires a series of biochemical reactions in your penis (your arteries dilate to allow more blood into your penis, while your veins constrict to keep blood from getting out). Viagra works by helping your arteries open wider to bring even more blood into your penis. Viagra only helps you get an erection if you're sexually stimulated; you won't get hard just by swallowing a pill. A dose of Viagra can help you produce an erection in about 30-60 minutes. Your erection may last for up to four hours, depending on how large a dose you take and how quickly your body breaks down the drug. If you take Viagra after eating a meal that's high in fat, it may take longer for Viagra to start working. Doses come in 25, 50, and 100 milligrams. Erection Problems and Condoms Many men in their 30s on up complain of erectile disorders, and are not aware of any other options available for them besides just using condoms. Viagra is a wonderful alternative. This past year, I have spent many hours talking with men about their problem of maintaining an erection when they put on a condom. Most men say they don't use condoms because they lose their erection and would rather take the chance of bare backing. In order to counteract this new trend; I strongly believe in prescribing Viagra to those men who need a little help. I don't know why more "education" about condoms doesn't feature and recommend Viagra. It's fabulous. And it counteracts the lame argument that "I can't keep my erection so I put my life at risk. Viagra should be prescribed to men who are having problems keeping an erection with a condom. I am amazed at colleagues who don't recommend that men who have erection problems talk to their doctors about Viagra. Pfizer is presently offering six tablets free through doctors. This approach to sexual health seems way more reasonable and FUN than the risk of bare backing. I recommend Viagra with doctor approval. Side Effects of Viagra Of course, we need to understand the potential negative interactions these medical interventions (Viagra) may have on pre-existing conditions (i.e., low blood pressure, etc), the combination with recreational drugs or even their prescribed meds. The most common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing of the face and stomachache. In rare cases, Viagra may cause a condition known as priapism, in which your erection doesn't go down even after you've ejaculated. While this may sound like a dream come true, in fact, a prolonged erection for over six hours can permanently damage your penis; OUCH!! A dangerous reaction can occur if you combine Viagra with drugs containing nitrates (poppers). Combining Viagra and nitrates can drop your blood pressure to dangerous levels, which may result in dizziness, heart attack, stroke and death. Sex requires your heart to work harder, so if you have heart problems, consult your doctor before taking Viagra. Alternatives to Viagra If you have problems keeping an erection with a condom you might want to try to work with the condom a bit more and give yourself (and your partner) time to work the erection back up. Many times it is not the inability to get the erectionit's a matter of now I have a condom on and want to do it right this second. Most men experience a waning erection when the condom first goes on. The female condom is another alternative. The 'bottom' partner can have this type of condom in prior to even beginning sexual activity. When it comes time to "shabang" there is no interruption. As with any drug, Viagra can have its ups and downs. I strongly recommend that men who bareback because they can't use a condom and maintain an erection talk to their doctor about using Viagra. Viagra is a wonder drug and has made a big difference in the way men are having and making decisions about sex. Please contact me at 302-227-5620 if you have any questions about Viagra and condom usage. Also, please call your doctor if you decide that Viagra might be right for you.CAMPsafe is an HIV/AIDS education and prevention program of CAMP Rehoboth. For more information, call Salvatore Seeley at 302-227-5620. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 03, April 5, 2002. |