Viagra. Cialis. Levitra. You cannot turn on the television, drive down the freeway, or leaf through a magazine without seeing advertisements for these medications on male enhancement. Developed to help older men with erectile dysfunction so that they could continue to lead regular sex lives, these prescription drugs quickly gained miracle pill status. But like with many miracle drugs out today, Viagra and the others have crossed over and become recreational drugs that teenagers and young men use, whether they have any problems getting erections or not.
Erectile dysfunction medications work by increasing the blood flow to the penis, allowing it to become erect as it should. With inappropriate use, however, these drugs can lead to Priapsism, a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours that can end with permanent damage to the penis. Other health problems that can be caused by these drugs include headaches, upset stomachs, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart beats, and even death.
Yet even with the risks involved, and even though they suffer no problems getting or maintaining an erection, teenage and college age boys are using Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Relatively easy to buy over the Internet or from personal sources, boys are finding the price of these Blue Diamonds (so called because of their color and shape) not restrictive and purchasing large amounts to share with friends. Large groups of friends and acquaintances will get together and take Viagra just to have a little fun.
What these boys are failing to realize is that Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are serious medications and should not be used by anyone under the age of 18. They are intended to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and are not sex hormones or aphrodisiacs. Though some doctors say that teens are for the most part safe if they use these drugs, there have been enough documented cases of serious illness in young men who have used Viagra that all boys should be aware of how dangerous it can be.
Taking Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs leads in many cases to high risk sexual behavior and increased chance of getting an STD, including HIV and AIDS. Boys and young men who take Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra tend to have more sex partners then those that do not take these drugs. They also can become so excited from the drug that they forget to protect themselves by using condoms or other contraceptives. And while gay and bisexual men are four times more likely to use these drugs recreationally, heterosexual men are using them as well and in ever growing numbers.
One of the most serious risks involved with teenagers and young men taking Viagra is them mixing it with other drugs, such as amphetamines, cocaine, and especially Ecstasy. Ecstasy (MDMA) is known to make many people very loving and affectionate, and want to have sex. But in the majority of males, Ecstasy blocks the ability to have an erection, so boys are turning to Viagra to help them out. This can cause serious blood pressure and heart issues when the stimulants in Ecstasy react with the chemicals in the erectile dysfunction drugs.
It is up to all young men to be responsible for their health and well being and be aware of what they are possibly doing to themselves when they try these drugs. Just because Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are prescribed by doctors and advertised all over the media does not mean they are safe. They are intended for a certain purpose and when they are used for other things the results can be permanently damaging or even fatal.
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