Recently, I did an “Ask Dr. Manny” video about the potential side effects of recreational Viagra use, and since then, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from our viewers. Not a week goes by where I don’t get a request from a male friend, an acquaintance or the husband of one of my patients asking for a prescription for Viagra or one of the many popular drugs thought to enhance the sexual experience. I always decline these requests because I truly believe that Viagra and similar products should not be seen as the type of drug that could easily be found in a candy store.

These drugs are marketed by pharmaceutical companies directly to consumers and are seen as drugs that are supposed to make you happy, virile and improve your relationship with your partner. But in reality, recreational use without proper indication and assessment by a physician could be quite dangerous.

Yes, Viagra has helped men all over the world with erectile dysfunction — a problem that needs to be addressed for the well-being of the patient as well as his partner. The track record of Viagra in general compared to many drugs is quite good. But one has to realize that there have been deaths attributed to Viagra, as well as many visual and cardiac side effects.

One of the things that I mentioned in the video is the necessity for patients asking for Viagra to be quite open about their medical history and the types of medications they’re currently taking. Viagra is a very potent vasodilator, meaning it dilates the blood vessels. So if a patient has any other medication in their system that dilates the vessels, they could end up suffering from a heart attack, kidney or liver complications.

It’s important to remember that not all kinds of sexual dysfunction are due to vascular problems. So for those patients, even though Viagra may help, it does not properly address the underlying problem — which is why it’s also vital to be open with your physician about the type of sexual problems you’re experiencing.

Finally, I don’t know about you, but I get bombarded with ads for Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and similar drugs through my e-mail! With the state of the world today, with the amount of medication tampering, drug diluting and unscrupulous start-up companies using harmful chemicals just to save a buck, it’s a wonder to me that anyone would actually entertain the thought of purchasing these drugs from online pharmacies. As consumers we must remain vigilant in our efforts to thwart the sale of these and other harmful drugs sold over the Internet by being cautious and smart in our decisions.

So for all you guys out there just looking to enhance one of life’s greatest gifts — I don’t mean to rain on your parade — but you can’t enjoy the gift if you’re not around to receive it!

Have you ever thought about using Viagra for fun?

Dear Yvonne:
I am 67 and my wife is 69 years old. We are having the time of our lives with a
little help from Levitra. We are both very healthy and enjoying retirement with
golf, tennis, etc. Sure would like to see a study on sex after 65. Are we normal? 
Jim

Dear Jim,
I’m glad to hear that you have an active, fulfilling sex life since sexual intimacy in the later years is a huge quality of life component that a lot of people either ignore or don’t want to hear about. But in 2004, AARP decided to look at elderly sex in a repeat study focusing on those 45 and older in the United States. It found that 49 percent of those who had regular sexual partners were having sexual intercourse at least one time per week. It also found that about two-thirds of them reported hugging or kissing their partners on a regular basis. Finally, the study found that slightly more than half of baby boomers and seniors are engaging in sexual touch or caressing on a regular basis. So if any of that sounds like you and your wife, then you fit right in with the “norm.” If you’re a little friskier than that, then I say enjoy your norm!

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”