Most men who have taken Viagra say that their overall life satisfaction hasn't change in consequence of taking the erectile dysfunction pill, according to a recent study.
Experts have warned that erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra are not the cure-all many believe it to be.
The researchers involved in the study found that a lot of men said their relationships hadn't improved significantly after taking the drug. As part of the research, scientists reviewed 40 clinical trials of male patients suffering from impotence to see how taking drugs had changed if not improved their lives. The patients in question had been given a drug called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and allowing the blood to flow for an erection.
The results of the study published in the journal of Sexual Medicine highlights the need to closely look at psychological issues and not just the mere mechanics of sexual intercourse. Dr. Andrew Kramer, a urologist at University of Maryland Medical Center told LiveScience: "It's simplistic to think that fixing an erection issue would solve relationship issues. Happiness is very complicated and erections are just one small piece of it. A lot of couples still need additional therapy."
The researchers also added that there is "growing evidence that the negative effects of erectile dysfunction extend beyond a person's inability to have sex, and impact men's emotional and psychological well-being. Treatments that target both physical and psychological aspects of ED are likely to be the most effective treatments for men suffering from the said condition."
Dr. Arun Ghosh, a general practitioner specializing in sexual health at Spire Liverpool Hospital said that there are many physical causes of erectile dysfunction as well. It can be caused by a nerve damage caused by diabetes, surgery or even prostate cancer.
