ON THE MINDS OF MEN

Daddy’s little helper is no longer the young son holding a flashlight. It’s the little blue pill that made Bob Dole and Rafael Palmeiro sexual dynamos–and fodder for late-night hosts. But the Viagra that has helped thousands of men with erectile dysfunction has turned into a recreational drug, with healthy men using it for bionic erections–better, stronger, harder–that last well into the morning. Harmless bedroom fun? A crutch for guys with no confidence? Or illicit abuse of a prescription drug that’s as easy to buy as vitamins? Here’s what you told us.

Have you ever used Viagra or some other erection helper recreationally, when you didn’t need it?

Yes 22%

No 78%

Yes, and it made me feel like the Ginsu knife–it sliced, it diced, it cut a soda can in half, and it still worked!

JERRY, 42

Ironically, I tried Viagra once, and it made me so nauseous that the star performer was unable to stand tall. Not a pleasant or ego-inspiring experience.

STEVE, 32

NO. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to "not need it."

KEITH, 45

I try all sex pills "recreationally" before the real test. No sense in having to tell my partner, "Maybe we’d better try this tomorrow; it’s a no-show today."

DOC, 68

No. I find it amazing that so many people would just pop a pill that is supposed to be administered by a doctor through a prescription. Would you take heart medication without checking with your doctor first?

JOE, 44

Do you view this kind of use as harmless fun, or a subconscious crutch ?

Fun 31%

Crutch 69%

It has nothing to do with confidence. It’s a sexual experiment, same as trying a new position or a toy. People worry too much about things being appropriate. Sex is supposed to be fun.

EARL, 28

Crutch. Being a better lover means a lot more than just an erection.

DONALD, 36

"Crutch" isn’t the best word. I take Viagra regularly, and it’s taken the anxiety out of sex. I know I’ll be able to last until my wife is satisfied.

KARL, 45

Fun! Taking half a pill after the first time ensures that my wife and I can make love more than once. It makes more sex possible, and that’s always a good thing.

DAN, 45

Have you ever obtained Viagra without prescription? If so, how did you get it?

Yes 18%

No 82%

A friend of mine who works at a doctor’s office snagged some free samples.

MARC, 43

If you have a friend like I do who sells pharmaceutical drugs, it’s easy to get.

OREN, 29

Like everything else, you can get it on the Internet. One click overnight delivery, and you’re standing tall before the woman in less than 24 hours. Should it be that easy? Probably not. But it is.

EDDIE. 34