Hey Men.
There's More to Sex Than Just Taking a Viagra Pill
Viagra has new competition
Column 486 © Tom Blake - October 13, 2003
On October 8, the Health & Fitness Section of the "Register" featured a story written by Lauren Gold, of the Cox News Service, entitled,
"Men will soon have alternatives to Viagra."
Ms. Gold wrote a splendid article, but I felt a story on such a male-involved topic deserved comments from the male perspective.
Most of us know why Viagra came into being--to help men with impotence--which these days is being referred to as" erectile dysfunction," or, as Ms. Gold wrote, simply "ED."
Ms. Gold stated that Viagra has had virtually no competition since being introduced as a prescription drug in 1998. But the situation is changing.
A new drug, Levitra, is now on the market and being advertised heavily during telecasts of the baseball playoffs and NFL games. The initial ads seem to be "teaser" ads, not saying
what Levitra is for, rather just saying to ask your doctor about it. Although former Chicago Bear head coach Mike Ditka is a spokesperson for Levitra, I haven't seen him yet.
According to Ms. Gold's article, a third drug, Cialis, "is just months away from store shelves." She wrote that Paul Newman may become the spokesperson for Cialis, which means Eli
Lilly & Co., the manufacturer, isn't considering me to be their spokesperson, which was heartbreaking news, but
I'll get over it. They didn't even send free samples
One thing seems certain, with three "ED" drugs competing for the market, we'll hear lots of interesting advertising and testimonials in the months ahead. "A loud, chest-thumping
contest seems inevitable as the rivals put forward competing claims about the three drugs' relative benefits," wrote Gold.
Having three male sexual performance enhancers available could change the face of sex as older people know it today.
For example, Ms. Gold's article stated that Eli Lilly claims Cialis is effective for 36 hours: "In Europe (where it was introduced months ago), it's called 'the week-end pill' because a
Friday-night dose lasts until Sunday."
Egad, are they trying to kill us poor men (and women)?
According to Ms. Gold, about half of the men over 40 in this country--32 million-- suffer from "ED," but only ten percent of them have been treated, which leaves nearly 29 million
untreated. Competition normally lowers prices, which means more and more men will use these drugs-so hold on to your hat.
The article suggested that just because a man takes an enhancement pill, his work isn't over. He's got to have a sex drive, which you don't just whistle up. This isn't a Cobra being
enticed out of a basket. Ms. Gold quoted Nicholas S. Aradia, a well-known sex therapist, " 'If the interest is not there, Viagra isn't going to bring it about. The most powerful sex organ is between our
ears, not between our legs.'"
Finally, somebody confirms what most of us have suspected for years.
Mr. Aradia also warned that couples sharing the benefits of these drugs may need to communicate even more than they did before taking the pills: " 'For women in particular, they
prefer more intimacy, communication. And the man is thinking he's going to take the pill an hour before bed and-boom,'"
So guys, don't think you're Superman if you take one of these pills. Slow down and love your woman the old-fashioned way-with tenderness, gentleness and sweet nothings
whispered in her ear.
READER COMMENTS
Marc, San Juan Capistrano, "I'm a newly single man, after a 28-year marriage. I've been flabbergasted by the women I've met. They are too easy and too aggressive.
Being prey puts me off, turns me off." Response: I'm sure your comments will bring a response or two.
Bonnie, Capistrano Beach, wants to know if other readers have had spouses who've become Alzheimer's victims and placed in nursing homes. Is dating okay after that
happens? Response: Hopefully, some will share their experiences on Bonnie's question.
Dona, Cheyenne, Wyoming: "Just finished your book and enjoyed reading it. You must have the energy of an ox to have dated all those women! And you never gave up. Sure
makes my love life look pretty darn tame." Response: I've been compared to a donkey, but never an ox. My search was worth it, I've been with an incredible woman for five years."
Have a story or comment to share? E-mail Tom at
TPBlake@aol.com. Include your full name and city.
For past columns: www.findingloveafter50.com
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