Viagra, a double-edged sword for male libido

Erectile-dysfunction drugs Viagra, Caialis, and Levitra may be the answer to many men's physical inadequacies, but these pills do not offer any help in untangling the emotional and relationship pressures that frequently accompany the condition.

'Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond', a new report compiled by researchers at Harvard Medical School, suggest that the medications work only if the man is feeling sexual desire for his partner, but if emotional issues are impinging on libido, the pills will not help.

The 48-page report says that if a man struggling with ED is embarrassed that he is no longer willing to attempt sexual activity, his partner may mistakenly believe that he is no longer attracted to her. She may assume that her partner's newfound erections are merely a chemical phenomenon, not the result of his interest in her.

Sex therapy may be more helpful in dealing with such cases, rather than dependence on erectile-dysfunction drugs, says the report.

It advises that couples should try to regard these drugs as an opportunity to renew their sexual relationship, while realising that ED drugs are neither a mandate to have intercourse nor a panacea for every problem in the bedroom.

Dr Alan Altman, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, and Suki Hanfling, a certified sex therapist, have edited 'Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond'.

ANI