Zimbabwean men abusing Viagra

There is widespread abuse of Viagra to increase male sexual potency in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), a urologist has said.

ED or impotence is characterised by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the manhood.

Samuel Mvurume, a urologist at Parirenyatwa Hospital, said ED was a major health problem affecting men, although victims were reluctant to seek early medical help.

As a result, he said, some women came forward to seek help on behalf of their husbands.

He said the condition was mostly caused by psychological imbalance with this contributing 95% of patients affected by the condition.

Only 5% of erectile dysfunction is pathological, Mvurume said.

In some patients who think Viagra solves their problems, it is simply a matter of telling them to refocus their sexual desires on their spouses as you would find that most of them confess having small houses (mistresses) whom they are able to satisfy sexually.

Most men resorting to Viagra as a sex stimulant dont need it. The problem is with the mindset.

Viagra is prescribed to those with a pathological condition, but originally the drug was designed for heart problems, said Mvurume, adding the condition was high among the elderly, diabetic, hypertensive and patients who have suffered injuries to the spinal cord.

Mvurume said other major health problems in men included cancer of the bladder and prostate, obstruction of the urinary tract and testicular torsion.