Not too long ago, erectile dysfunction (ED) was something men rarely talked about, often hidden behind closed bedroom doors.
Fast forward to today, and it’s practically gone viral—thanks to everything from catchy TV ads to TikTok skits poking fun at the little blue pill and its promises.
Viagra, along with similar medications, has undoubtedly changed lives.
But beneath the jokes and memes lies a growing concern, especially among young men who are now using these pills recreationally—often without realizing the dangers.
Young Men Carry Pills Like a Backup Plan for Nights Out
It’s become surprisingly common for young men to keep Viagra on hand like it’s chewing gum.
Whether they use it or not, many see it as a “just-in-case” solution to boost performance, according to psychosexual nurse Lorraine Grover, who’s worked with ED patients for over three decades.
Some even go as far as licking the pill instead of swallowing it, simply to feel mentally prepared for sex.
But here’s the issue: most of these guys don’t actually need it.
They’re either stretching the truth with online pharmacies or buying from sketchy websites that don’t ask questions.
The Danger of High Doses and Counterfeit Pills
Many young users don’t realize that popping the maximum 100mg dose without medical supervision can backfire.
The more they take, the more they risk serious side effects—some of which can be permanent.
One especially scary risk?
Priapism—a painful erection that lasts over four hours.
It’s a medical emergency.
If not treated quickly, it can damage tissue and lead to lifelong impotence.
Consultant urologist Tet Yap says he’s seen cases where men end up needing a penile implant because the pressure caused internal scarring.
Even worse, counterfeit pills often don’t contain any real medication at all—and could be full of harmful chemicals.
Past investigations have uncovered fake Viagra laced with dangerous substances.
Real-Life Stories: When Things Go Terribly Wrong
Take Nat Thind, a 26-year-old from Hampshire.
He suffered a month-long erection after using over-the-counter Viagra.
Doctors had to drain the blood surgically, and he was left with nerve damage and a “mutilated” penis.
Cases like his are more common than you’d think, especially among young users who don’t get help in time.
Why are younger men turning to these drugs in the first place?
Experts point to a mix of factors: addiction to porn, party culture, binge drinking, drug use—and sometimes undiagnosed health issues like type 2 diabetes, which affects blood flow.
A Surge in Prescriptions—and Over-the-Counter Sales
Viagra wasn’t even intended for ED originally.
Back in the 1990s, it was developed as a treatment for high blood pressure.
But during clinical trials, men started reporting stronger erections—and the rest is pharmaceutical history.
These days, the NHS spends around £16.4 million per year on ED drugs.
In 2023 alone, there were over 4.5 million prescriptions issued for sildenafil and similar meds like Cialis and Levitra.
On top of that, countless men buy low-dose versions in pharmacies or go online for even easier access—often without proper vetting.
Life-Changing for Some, But Still Not Risk-Free
Lorraine Grover recalls patients who were once suicidal over ED, but found new hope with Viagra.
Before the pill, treatment options were far from convenient. One involved injecting medication directly into the penis.
Another used vacuum pumps—hardly sexy.
Viagra, which kicks in about 30 minutes before sex, is definitely simpler.
But it’s not without side effects.
Even at safe doses, users may experience headaches, flushed skin, nausea, and dizziness.
For those with heart conditions—especially men on nitrate medications—Viagra can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
And in rare cases, people have had seizures, chest pain, or even anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
When the Eyes Are Affected—and Other Scary Side Effects
Some men notice a blue tint in their vision after taking Viagra, a condition known as cyanopsia.
That’s because the drug also affects enzymes in the retina.
In very rare cases, users have reported sudden blindness, especially when taking high doses without medical oversight.
Pfizer, the original maker of Viagra, settled lawsuits back in 2006 from men who claimed the drug caused permanent vision loss.
More recently, researchers in Turkey reported on 17 men who took 100mg of sildenafil and ended up with vision problems lasting for weeks.
Could Viagra Be Linked to Skin Cancer?
There’s emerging concern around a possible connection between ED drugs and malignant melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer.
A major study from Brazil suggested that sildenafil users had an 85% higher risk of developing melanoma.
It’s still unclear why, but one theory is that PDE5—the enzyme these drugs target—may also help prevent melanoma cells from growing.
So blocking it might have unintended consequences.
What the Data Shows: Real Reactions, Real Deaths
Since Viagra was first introduced in the UK in 1998, there have been over 3,500 reports of adverse reactions to sildenafil.
Nearly 200 deaths were linked to the drug—including teens and men in their 20s.
Heart-related complications were the most common cause of death, but five men died by suicide, believed to be linked to the emotional and psychological impact of using the drug.
Tadalafil (Cialis), another ED drug, has seen over 1,300 reports of side effects and 29 deaths.
The Risk of Becoming Dependent—Even Without Needing It
Experts warn that men, especially young ones, risk becoming psychologically dependent on ED drugs.
They might convince themselves they can’t perform without it—even if there’s no physical issue at all.
The good news?
According to Mr. Yap, this type of dependency is reversible with proper support and, sometimes, psychosexual counseling.
Still, it’s a clear sign that no man—especially a young, healthy one—should be taking these pills without a doctor’s approval.
Bottom Line: These Pills Can Help—But Only If Used Safely
Viagra and similar drugs have helped millions.
They’ve given confidence back to men struggling with a deeply personal issue.
But they’re not candy, and they shouldn’t be used on a whim.
As Grover puts it plainly: “Young men think of Viagra as a quick fix, but the truth is—no one should take it without getting a proper medical check-up first.”