I’m not entirely sure why I checked out a Viagra ad in my Facebook feed, other than the fact that it was probably a poorly executed attempt at creating humor. With all the drug epidemic and sexual health issues faced by this country, it’s not really the type of content that you’d expect to see promoted on social media.
But here we are. The ad featured a hot, young blonde with large breasts who was wearing a tiny bikini, and was teasing the viewer with all kinds of suggestive dance moves. You know the type. The sort of woman that makes you question whether or not she’s actually aware of the meaning of ‘modesty’.
Now, personally, I think the ad does a great job of portraying female sexuality in a humorous light. For a drug company to succeed in promoting their product with women, you’d think that they would have to prioritize creating ads depicting attractive, nubile women who are also not totally clueless about the sort of product they are selling.
Sexually Active Women, In Their 20s
I checked out the Viagra ad, because it was a Monday. And Mondays are often lonely days for me. Particularly around this time of year. The days are cold and dark, and it’s just you and the snowflake-covered landscape. So it was quite fitting that I should encounter an ad for a libido enhancer while on a Monday.
Mondays are also often lonely days for other people as well. According to a study by the Medical City, the majority of American adults between the ages of 18 and 44 reported experiencing loneliness often on a Monday. Additionally, 68% of men and 64% of women said that they sometimes felt lonely on a Monday. There’s a reason for that.
Around this time of year, several factors contribute to loneliness. Fewer work hours, more time off, more daylight saving hours, and fewer people on social media. One factor that contributes to loneliness specifically among adults is their active sex lives. The study found that adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are more likely to feel lonely on a Monday if they are sexually active.
In fact, the study reported that those who are sexually active are 3.5 times more likely to experience loneliness. The most active people in their 20s are also the most likely to feel lonely. This is likely because their social calendars are packed, so they have fewer opportunities to connect with other people. Additionally, there has been a rise of ‘singles living together’ among this population. Living together without being married or in a committed relationship is now commonplace, and the trend is contributing to an increase in the number of people feeling lonely.
According to a study published in the Journal of Social Work in 2014, 53% of respondents had experienced mental health issues as a result of being lonely. That’s almost one in two adults! In the United Kingdom, a government report from 2018 highlighted that loneliness and social isolation are bigger problems than we realize. More than a quarter of adults reported that they often or always felt lonely. And the proportion of adults who said that they were satisfied with their social connections stood at 66%.
So if you’re sexually active, in your 20s, and on a Monday, it would seem that you’re at a high risk of feeling lonely. Which is why I thought it was quite fitting that I should come across an ad for a libido enhancer on a Monday. Especially since I have a high libido and always feel more comfortable having sex during the week. Particularly on a Monday.
Lonely Adults May Search For New Loves
It seems that many adults are turned on by the image of a scantily clad woman. To be clear, I’m not complaining. It seems that a large number of adults have an appetite for this type of content. Which is why I can’t understand why I found the ad for Viagra so repulsive. Aside from the fact that it was targeted at men, and featured a stereotype of a ‘rugged, manly’ man.
From a purely physical standpoint, Viagra is considered a powerful drug, and the FDA has approved it for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. But that doesn’t mean that it’s only for men. In fact, the drug is also available for women who experience low libido. Or whose libido has simply declined because of aging.
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel sexually attracted to your partner, or with being grateful for your lover’s efforts, there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to feel sexually attracted to someone new. More and more adults are realizing that sexual attraction should not be reserved only for those they’re in relationships with, but that it can be a useful tool for bringing satisfaction into their lives. Especially if they’re feeling lonely.
If you’re sexually active and want to bring more joy into your relationship, it’s important to keep in mind that your partner is not the only person you should be concerned about pleasing. It’s also important to keep in mind that regardless of whether or not you’re experiencing pain, you deserve to feel sexually satisfied. Especially if you’re on your own. Or if you’re feeling lonely.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel desired. We as women deserve to feel confident that someone out there wants us. That someone out there finds us attractive. Even if that someone is imaginary or virtual. We deserve to feel desired, accepted, and loved. And if you’re looking for a way to achieve that with your partner, or if you’re looking for something to bring joy into your life, sex work is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a way to make money, there are other opportunities out there. Like getting a temporary job. Or taking on a side gig. As a freelancer. Or entrepreneur.