"Viagra stories": challenging 'erectile dysfunction'

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Health and Medicine
• Sexual Health Research
• Cultural Studies of Medicine

Background:

• Medical models of sexual difficulties prioritize physical aspects, viewing disorders within anatomy, chemistry, or physiology.
• The widespread use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) has amplified the influence of the medical model in sexual health.
• Medical interventions often assume a universal, culture-transcendent body, categorizing sexual issues as normal or pathological.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the socio-cultural implications of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) use in New Zealand.
• To explore how user experiences with erectile difficulties and Viagra challenge reductionist medical perspectives on sexuality.
• To examine the notion of 'sexual dysfunction' and the concept of drugs as a 'quick fix' for male sexual difficulties.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 33 men and 27 women in New Zealand.
• In-depth discussions on the impact of erectile difficulties and Viagra use within relationships.
• Analysis of diverse participant experiences and narratives.

Main Results:

• Participant accounts challenge the medical model's simplistic, mechanistic portrayal of the male body and sexual experience.
• Experiences with erectile difficulties and Viagra use reveal complexities beyond purely physiological explanations.
• The study highlights that Viagra use does not universally support the medical categorization of 'normal' versus 'pathological' sexual function.

Conclusions:

• The diverse 'stories' surrounding Viagra use disrupt a reductionist understanding of male sexuality and 'erectile disorder'.
• Socio-cultural factors significantly influence the experience and perception of sexual difficulties and pharmacological interventions.
• A more nuanced, holistic approach is needed to understand and address sexual health concerns, integrating individual experiences with broader social contexts.