Men in 50s drive rise in Viagra use

The use of Viagra in New Zealand has soared, partly because the drug is more easily available, so men are more comfortable using it, experts say.

Ministry of Health data shows that Viagra use has almost doubled in the past five years. In 2018, 1616 men accessed the drug, an 80 per cent increase from 893 in 2014. The number of dispensings rose from 2873 in 2014 to 4524 in 2018.

The largest group of users was men in their 50s, who were prescribed Viagra 384 times last year.

Medical sexologist Dr Simon Snook said he believed the increase in Viagra use – as well as Cialis, another popular erectile dysfunction medication – was partly because of men feeling more comfortable about addressing erectile dysfunction.

‘‘Over the last 20 years, it has become more easy for men to talk about, especially compared to premature ejaculation.’’

The increase was also because of men expecting more from their erections, Snook said. ‘‘We used to define erectile dysfunction as someone who is unable to undertake penetrative intercourse. Now, we talk about different grades of erectile dysfunction.’’

While half of men over 40 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction, Snook said he saw men of all ages.

‘‘Young men are generally looking for a return to perfect erectile function. There’s an influence of peer groups and porn, and they misunderstand what Viagra does. They think it makes them last longer.’’

For the last two years, Viagra has been available without a prescription. However, Snook cautioned that the drug wouldn’t work for everyone. ‘‘And some men feel if that doesn’t work, nothing will work.’’

Jeff (not his real name) was one of those who turned to Viagra after leaving a longterm relationship and running into sexual difficulties with a new partner. ‘‘Something didn’t work. It was real frustrating. I love having sex, I had an awesome new lady. It was really embarrassing.’’

His girlfriend convinced the 37-year-old to see his doctor, and he got a prescription for Viagra. It worked, and the couple were

Medical sexologist

‘‘Some men feel if that doesn’t work, nothing will work.’’

Simon Snook,

able to get their sex life back on track.

Three years later, Jeff no longer needs much help. He only takes the drug on rare occasions, and he’ll halve or even quarter the pill.

Erectile dysfunction wasn’t really talked about in his circle of friends, he said. However, he wouldn’t hesitate to raise the issue if it meant he could help someone.

‘‘I’m older now, I don’t care so much what people think. I haven’t told my mates, but if it came up in conversation over a few beers, I would mention it. If I could help people with my experience, I would tell them about it.’’

Snook said there were other methods like tissue regeneration that aimed to address penile health. ‘‘This is where we’re trying to direct our future.’’

Sex Therapy New Zealand regional director Mary Hodson said she wasn’t surprised to hear that men in their 50s made up the largest cohort of Viagra users. ‘‘When men hit 50, their ability to become aroused is not as good as it was before. A young man might say, ‘Don’t touch me, it’s too much, it will happen too quickly’ – a man over 50 needs more stimulation to get the erection, and more to hold it.’’

Erectile dysfunction was still a hidden problem in New Zealand, Hodson said.

‘‘Research has shown only about 9 per cent of people mention a sexual problem to their doctor. Yet at any one time, 43 per cent of people have serious sexual dysfunction.’’

Viagra’s over-the-counter availability could help men address that problem, she said. ‘‘It could be that being able to go to the chemist is easier all round. A little more anonymous, less personal.’’

But, like Snook, she recommended that men take the drug with professional guidance. ‘‘It’s not a drug that should be taken lightly. It’s a serious, full-on drug that should be used with care.’’