Viagra Claim Ignores Evidence

Viagra Claim Ignores Evidence

SYDNEY, Aug. 28 /MediaNet International-AsiaNet/ --

Pfizer New Zealand is strongly refuting a claim that Viagra, the world’s first and most prescribed oral treatment for erection problems, does more harm than good for relationships.

The claim, made by a US academic promoting a book, was that men using Viagra were realising that achieving a great erection does not solve their relationship problems.

Pfizer NZ spokesman, Medical Director Dr Edward Watson, said that there was contrary evidence to indicate that treating erection problems could enhance relationships.

According to a 2000-people study of men with Erectile Dysfunction and their partners, published in the International Journal of Impotence[1], confidence and relationships improved in 83 percent of men and 77 percent of women respondents. Life overall improved in 70 percent of males and 64 percent of women.

According to sex therapist Dr Rosie King, men who have erection problems tend to withdraw emotionally and physically from their partners in an effort to deny, ignore or hide their sexual symptoms.

“Sex is important to most couples but maintaining a healthy relationship requires a wholistic approach that takes into account other factors,” Dr Watson said. “Relationships are about communication and Pfizer is proud to have made couples and doctors less uncomfortable about discussing sexual relationships and erection problems.

“Viagra remains the only oral treatment that’s been used by more than 20 million men worldwide and has 100 clinical studies and 11,000 patient years to support its effectiveness and safety.”

ENDS

[1]Duttagupta S; MacDonald KL; Gasper S. An assessment of the relationship between sildenafil citrate use and quality-of-life dimensions for patients and partners [abstract no. 13]. Int J Impotence Res 2002; 13(Suppl 2): S6.

Source: Pfizer Australia

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