A U psychology professor wants to examine the effects of Viagra on couples outside of the bedroom.
With a full grant from Pfizer, the manufacturer of the drug, Strassberg’s research is meant to provide doctors and researchers with information on how couples are affected by the drug.
“My work is really not designed to look at the effectiveness of Viagra,” said Strassberg, who specializes in sexuality. In 65 to 70 percent of men who take the drug, the results are successful.
For many men, erectile dysfunction leads to problems both physical and psychological.
More than half of all men over the age of 50 are affected by erectile dysfunction, and since the drug’s introduction, no studies have been conducted examining the psychological side effects related to the drug.
“It struck me that nobody to this point has paid much attention to the use of Viagra, beyond the fact that it works. We know that it works, so we now need to go beyond that fact,” Strassberg said.
Before Viagra became available as a prescription drug, many men suffering from erectile dysfunction turned to therapy as the most common treatment. As the drug enjoys widespread use and success, Strassberg is worried that therapy is being ignored.
The results of the drug’s effectiveness sexually has been well documented, but Strassberg is more interested in the non-sexual effects the drug has on couples.
Strassberg hopes to find out why couples decide to use the drug and how they came to that decision. He also hopes to learn how long couples choose to keep the drug in their lives and how the drug impacts a couple’s sexual satisfaction.
“A few researchers and clinicians have raised questions about whether or not giving a pill will be the whole answer, and for some couples, the pill just may not be the answer,” Strassberg said.
Strassberg, who also runs a small private practice, turned to Pfizer for help in conducting his study, and found the pharmaceutical company was willing to help.
“They thought is was a great idea,” Strassberg said.