Study: Viagra use
popular among gay men

A new study in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes reinforces what many health officials have long thought--that use of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra is popular among gay men. The study, which included surveys of nearly 1,200 gay men recruited at bars and nightclubs in 10 states, shows that 11% reported recent Viagra use. More than half of those using Viagra also were simultaneously using illegal drugs, according to the study. Gay Viagra users also were shown to be twice as likely to have unprotected anal intercourse with a casual partner and were significantly more likely to be HIV-positive than nonusers. Study data also showed Viagra users to have more male sex partners and to be three times more likely to use illegal drugs than those not taking Viagra in the previous 12 months.

"These findings are consistent with previous reports and emphasize the need for additional prevention counseling for men who have sex with men that incorporates messages targeting Viagra usage and risk behavior," the researchers conclude, reports HIVandHepatitis.com. (The Advocate)