sildenafil-citrate and amyl-nitrate

A sexual marathon is defined as prolonged sexual activity over hours and even days. This exploratory study examined the phenomenon of sexual marathons in a sample of 341 HIV-positive methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men (MSM). Eighty-four percent of the men reported engaging in marathon sex while high on methamphetamine. MSM who engaged in sexual marathons and those who did not were compared in terms of background characteristics, methamphetamine use variables, alcohol and illicit drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and psychosocial factors. Men who engaged in marathon sex used significantly more illicit drugs, were more likely to use sildenafil (Viagra) and amyl nitrates, and scored higher on a sexual compulsivity scale compared to men who did not engage in marathon sex. In multivariate analyses, use of sildenafil in the past two months was significantly correlated with participation in sexual marathons. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for HIV/STI prevention and intervention.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol-Related Disorders; Central Nervous System Stimulants; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Methamphetamine; Multivariate Analysis; Neuropsychological Tests; Nitrates; Pentanols; Piperazines; Purines; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sildenafil Citrate; Substance-Related Disorders; Sulfones; Vasodilator Agents

The authors conducted a community-based anonymous survey of 837 men who have sex with men (MSM) to gauge the extent of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) use, its association with high-risk sexual behavior, and its combination with other drugs. Participants' mean age was 35 years, 67% were white, and 66% had a college degree. The majority (76%) reported anal sex in the past 6 months, with 49% reporting always using condoms. Overall, 32% had ever used Viagra (CI: 29%-36%). Significant independent predictors of Viagra use were white race, older age, HIV positivity, illicit drug use, and having had unprotected anal sex with potentially serodiscordant partners. Over one third of Viagra users had combined Viagra with other drugs, 18% with amyl nitrate. Only a minority (44%) obtained Viagra under the care of a physician. For some MSM, Viagra appears to be an emerging contributing factor to unsafe sex, potentially increasing HIV transmission. HIV care and prevention providers should target Viagra users for enhanced education on safer sex and potentially harmful drug interactions.

Topics: Adult; Condoms; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Nitrates; Pentanols; Piperazines; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Purines; Risk Factors; Safe Sex; San Francisco; Sexual Behavior; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones; Surveys and Questionnaires