Viagra (sildenafil) use in a population-based sample of U.S. men who have sex with men.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine sildenafil (Viagra) use and its relationship to sexual risk behavior for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men (MSM).


METHODS
A population-based telephone sample of MSM in San Francisco was interviewed about sexual behavior, substance use, HIV and health status, and demographic characteristics.


RESULTS
Recent Viagra use was reported by 29% of the sample and was associated with HIV serostatus, greater numbers of male sexual partners, higher levels of unprotected anal sex, and higher levels of illicit recreational drug use. Viagra use was not associated with age, race, or socioeconomic status.


CONCLUSIONS
Viagra use appears to have become a stable fixture of the sexual culture of MSM, crossing age, race, and socioeconomic subgroups. Its use is associated with a general behavioral risk pattern for HIV/STD transmission.
Paul
Jay P
JP
Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. jpaul@psg.ucsf.edu
Pollack
Lance
L
Osmond
Dennis
D
Catania
Joseph A
JA
D015658:HIV Infections; D006304:Health Status; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011687:Purines; D012309:Risk-Taking; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D013450:Sulfones; D014481:United States; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D014505:Urban Population
D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate