A growing number of healthy young men are becoming addicted to virility drugs like Viagra. But what does it feel like to actually take a tablet? Writer Chris Bell reveals all…
The short answer is: my face got really hot and then I said something stupid. Which isn’t, I’m pretty sure, the intended effect of Viagra. When the American drug giant Pfizer first patented the virility drug back in 1998, it was “a new sexual beginning” for men in their 50s and beyond.
But for younger men, in their sexual prime, it was something different – a bit of a joke to try. One that increased your staying-power for some light recreational fun. But one that is increasingly becoming an addiction for stressed out, performance-anxious men as young as 20. In fact, one therapist admits the average age for his patients is 32. Which is kind of worrying, no?
I’m 36 – hardly Pfizer’s target demographic. I wasn’t “having issues”, or feeling depressed. Instead, I’d been sent some while working at a men’s magazine and took it with my partner out of sheer curiosity.
Firstly, as sex aids go, it’s incredibly unsexy. The chief ingredient, Sildenafil, takes around 30 minutes to work. So spontaneity is out. And it makes me wonder: if I was on a date, when would I take it? Would I wait until we’re fumbling on the couch, just to be sure – but then have to wait for lift off? Or swallow one optimistically during the cheese course, but then risk going home alone – spending the taxi ride apologising huskily for my erection?
And nor does it immediately target your groin. Instead, after ten minutes I’d gone all red-faced and gouty-looking. Think: a slightly randy glazed ham.
After twenty minutes, a tingling began just above my knees. Not unpleasant, but not exactly sexy either. “I feel like I’ve got magic legs!” I exclaimed, walking into the bedroom. Not, upon reflection, my most seductive opening gambit.
But the end effect? There is the physical manifestation, of course – and seriously, you could have bent horseshoes on me. There is also increased stamina, although it’s not entirely welcome: 90 minutes later, and everything starts getting pretty numb. But there is also a psychological element. You feel powerful and confident. (Which is arguably how all men visualise themselves.)
And this, in short, is why it’s so addictive: like many drugs, it recalls you at your best. But it’s also why a younger generation of men could get addicted – if you start taking this regularly, you could start to wonder if a “natural” erection would ever be as good.
Although if I take it again, let me say this: I’m turning the lights out to hide my face…