A new survey has found that a significant number of young men have used erectile dysfunction, (ED), medications such as Viagra often in conjunction with other recreational drugs, and most without consulting a physician.
Researchers at the Children's Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine conducted an anonymous survey of 234 sexually active males between the ages of 18-25, on the campuses of three national universities in Chicago.
The researchers found that 13 percent of the young men said they'd experienced erectile dysfunction, but rarely discussed this with a doctor.
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, was defined as ever having difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
Erectile dysfunction is usually considered a condition that affects older men, and is often associated with sexual dissatisfaction, decreased quality of life, depression and anxiety; but it can also be a problem for young men.
The condition has rarely been studied in adolescent males and this is the first study to look at ED occurring with condom use.
The results indicate that men who have experienced ED while putting on a condom are four times more likely to use condoms inconsistently.
By using Viagra along with alcohol or illegal recreational drugs, the likelihood of spreading sexually transmitted diseases, increases say the researchers.
The extent to which widespread use of Viagra and other similar drugs among young men is unknown, but the results of the new research suggest the combo is used by a significant number of young men in the United States.