Intimacy and Viagra
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| Mon, 04-18-2005 - 8:45pm |
I've taken a few exerpts from an article in the newspaper today by Robyn Salisbury, Director of Sex Therapy New Zealand and a clinical psychologist. (page D1, The Press, 19 April). I thought that it touched on some of the things that the regulars address and encourage here on the boards time and time again.
"We know that internationally millions of perscriptions have been written out for Viagra and no doubt high numbers for the competing drugs that have followed. Less than 50% of the viagra perscriptions have been refilled even once, suggesting that the drug did not fulfil many people's expectations. This has given rise to the wise observation that while you can put an erection into a relationship, you cannot put a relationship into an erection. Thousands of New Zealanders seem not to know that.
Of those who are ongoing users of erectile drugs, some will find that the drug is effectively correcting a medical problem of lack of blood flow to the penis as it is designed to do; others will be using it inappropriately. lack of an erection can serve the same warning purpose that canaries served in the coal mines. If the canary dropped dead it was time for the miners to get some fresh air.
Unresponsive penises may be giving warning signs about a lack of intimacy, technique problems, inappropriate expectations or interpersonal problems. Artificial respiration for the "canary" will surely create a bigger problem in the long run by ignoring those problems.
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Can we generate a widespread understanding of the importance of intimacy for creating deeply fulfilling sex? Imagine the national benefits of starting an epidemic of healthy relating?"
So what do you think? Viagra and erectile dysfunction? A genuine solution for genuine problems, or media hype?

" A geniune solution for genuine problems or media hype?" A little of both, perhaps.
As you said, I think it depends on the state of one's relationship outside the bedroom. IF a guy is in an otherwise satisfying and happy relationship but inexplicably, his penis stops responding, then Viagra could be a Godsend. Doesn't mean that it has to be a permanent solution either.
But if a couple is hoping for a miracle cure in a little blue pill for all that can ail a relationship, it simply won't work.
No one I know, stayed together simply because the sex was good either. At some point, you do have to get out of bed and relate on another level!
Good article, Westie!
Viagra...and to a lesser degree Cialis...have worked wonders for me. I take medications for hypertension and depression that interfere with my ability to have an erection. When a man is sexually aroused, these ED medications do help achieve a full erection. The big misunderstanding a lot of men have is that they can cause an erection when he isn't "horny". They don't.
I have heard of men with no ED issues who think it will make their sex better. It just doesn't work that way.