You’re at a bar with your mates having a catch-up and networking session when one of your new connections strikes up a conversation about sex and relationship matters. Maybe you’re drinking pink champagne or whiskey and the female interlocutor is waxing lyrical about the virtues of multi-orgasmic sex or the need to have an open dialogue about sexual matters. You listen intently, thinking about the many questions you’ve been wanting to ask this person. As the conversation continues, you realise that what you were really interested in finding out was whether or not taking Viagra while drinking is a good idea. After all, as a popular TV adage goes: “all that glitters is not gold”.
You’re not alone in wanting to know whether or not to take Viagra while drinking. According to a recent poll, 45% of men think it’s a good idea while 40% think it’s a bad idea. With the possible exception of the drug’s manufacturer, Viagra’s official position on taking the medication while drinking seems to be a little ambiguous, recommending you consult your doctor before making any decisions. In the meantime, there have been numerous horror stories about people taking Viagra while intoxicated and ending up in hospital, sometimes due to adverse drug reactions but also sometimes due to unintentional injuries or sex-related mishaps. If you choose to indulge in this particular activity, you might want to think about putting a brake on, or at least changing your drinking habits so that you don’t end up in the emergency room. Let’s take a closer look at why this question is still relevant today, a little over a decade after Viagra’s official endorsement of its safety while drinking.
Why Is It Relevant Today?
One of the biggest changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about is the postponement of many of life’s non-essential activities, including social gatherings and sexual encounters. While there are still plenty of weddings and Valentine’s Day parties to celebrate, people are choosing to stay at home and enjoy their new-found privacy and safety. One of the side effects of this relatively sudden change is that a bit of old culture has been left behind. Old habits like pre-COVID-19 partying have been revived as people look for ways to relieve the stresses of lockdown life. One of the most popular ways to do this is through alcohol, and specifically via the consumption of alcoholic beverages, both in the form of spirits and wine, and in large quantities.
For men, alcohol’s effect on sexual performance can vary, with some men benefitting and others being adversely affected. The consensus among scientists seems to be that alcohol impairs male reproductive function and overall sexuality, and that men who regularly consume alcohol are at greater risk of sexual disorders and dysfunction. As a result of this, many doctors and pharmacists have warned against the use of Viagra or other sexual enhancement drugs while drinking, and advised people to avoid this activity altogether, as much as possible.
Where Did The Name Viagra Come From?
Like most drugs with a relatively simple chemical formula, the generic name for Viagra is Sildenafil. However, its original brand name is Pfizer’s Viagra and it was first approved for sale in Europe in the early 1990s. One of the reasons behind Pfizer’s initial reluctance to market Viagra was that it conflicted with their other drug, Viagerm, which was at the time a treatment for angina.
However, the company had to make an exception for sex, and for a good reason. When men with erectile dysfunction (caused by, for example, diabetes or neurological disease) took Viagra and had successful intercourse, they tended to report considerable satisfaction. In fact, many men were so pleased with the results that they asked for more. Thus, in a way, Viagra was almost like a magical elixir which made all your sexual dreams come true. Without question, the drug helped change the way people think about sex and relationships, and made a significant contribution to the rise of the’sexual wellness’ movement.
Key Facts About Viagra While Drinking
Viagra’s scientific community continues to grow, with more and more evidence emerging to support the use of the drug for a variety of sexual ailments and dysfunctions. Some of these facts and figures will surprise you.
- According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are over 600 clinical trials pertaining to Viagra’s use, and many of these studies have been published in reputable medical journals. This is in contrast to the early days when little or no solid evidence was available.
- While Viagra’s main function is to increase blood flow to the penis, it has several secondary actions which may make it more effective when consumed in combination with alcohol. For example, the medication has been found to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are considered favourable for heart health. It also delays the stomach’s emptying time, which can have positive ramifications for those who suffer from gastrointestinal issues, such as bulging, prolapsed, or ruptured organs. Some people have even reported that taking Viagra in combination with certain foods, like chocolate, can improve sexual functioning.
- If you’re concerned about the effects that alcohol will have on your body, there are many non-alcoholic alternatives which are just as effective when taken before or during sexual activity. Check out these natural aphrodisiacs which may improve your sex life: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dark chocolate. The key point to remember is that no drugs or supplements can take the place of a healthy sex life, and vice versa. For maximum effect, you need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and get sufficient sleep. This is not an either-or scenario, but rather a ‘both’ situation.
- Viagra’s official position on whether or not to take the medication while drinking remains somewhat ambiguous, at best. Essentially, the company advises people to consult their doctor before making any decisions, but also points out that some people do safely take the medication while drinking and report positive effects. For this reason, many doctors and pharmacists continue to give the drug a pass when used in combination with alcohol, and advise people to avoid this activity altogether, as much as possible.