Researchers
examine links between erectile dysfunction drugs and HIV

Researchers, drug company employees, and government officials are meeting this week in Maryland to discuss how erectile dysfunction drugs may be linked with HIV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases, particularly among gay and bisexual men, The Boston Globe reports.

Studies have shown that gay men who use erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are much more likely to practice unsafe sex and to be infected with HIV or another STD. A study conducted in San Francisco showed that 31% of a group of gay and bisexual men reported using Viagra without medical supervision. That study also showed Viagra use was linked with higher rates of risky sexual behavior and STDs. Another study shows that recreational Viagra users were twice as likely as nonusers to be HIV-positive.

Many gay and bisexual men also use erectile dysfunction drugs in combination with illegal club drugs like crystal methamphetamine or ecstasy to allow them to more easily engage in sex, often with multiple partners, researchers say.

Because of such study data, Jeffrey Klausner of the San Francisco Department of Public Health is calling on drug companies to curb free samples and limit refills of the drugs. He also has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to classify the drugs as controlled substances, which he believes will help cut down on illegal distribution of the medications, and is calling for the drugs' makers to conduct educational programs for health care providers and consumers to highlight the links between the drugs and risky sexual behavior. (Advocate.com)