If you are as big of a Sex and the City fan as I am, then you certainly remember season three, episode seven: Drama Queens, in which Samantha’s latest sexual conquest introduces her to recreational Viagra. Of course, Samantha “I’ll try anything once” Jones partakes in the prescription pill party, pops some “V,” and gets “sent on a rocket trip right through his solar system.” I know this probably left many viewers with a similar question: can you take Viagra recreationally? Well, Popstar is back with the tips (and SO much more than just the tip) on the effects of Viagra if you don’t suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Before we dive into the effects of V, we need to discuss ED. ED, or erectile dysfunction, is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to complete sexual activity. When a man is aroused, the blood vessels of the corpora cavernosa relax, allowing blood to rush to the penis, causing it to expand. If your blood isn’t flowing or your penis has trouble trapping this blood in your penis during arousal, then you end up with erectile dysfunction. Now that we are up to speed on ED, where does Viagra come in? 

Viagra is one of the prescription drugs that can remedy the situation. But how does it work? It helps relax the walls of your penile arteries, allowing them to dilate and promoting increased blood flow. But if you have a blood-trapping problem, this pill may not help much. 

Let us pose a question: If you are able to maintain a woody without worry, why would you want to take Viagra? Curiosity, most likely. A study by the National Library of Medicine showed that four percent of men admitted to using Viagra recreationally. Out of those men, 75 percent said they were simply curious. You know what they say, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Or, in this case, the cock. While you most likely won’t die from taking it for shits and giggles, we don’t recommend it. 

Many men who feel less than confident in the bedroom use Viagra recreationally or as a sexual safety net. While they may not suffer from ED exactly, they want to make sure there won’t be any phallic faux pas. Making sure they remain at full mast for the entirety of the cruise.

Many people also believe that Viagra can shorten one’s refractory time, the period after ejaculation where it could be difficult to achieve another erection. For those who are knocking boots like the Energizer Bunny, Viagra is used to help with sexy-time turnaround. Other men have used Viagra as a sort of penile pre-workout. Because it increases blood flow, some athletes feel that it improves their performance and recovery time in the gym. Again, not recommended. 

So, what are the pitfalls of penile pill-popping? Well, men who frequently use Viagra recreationally report lower sexual confidence and satisfaction. What started as a sexual science experiment can become a crutch. 

There are many side effects of Viagra: facial flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, myalgia, abnormal vision, back pain, and nausea (sounds like a Pepto commercial), to name a few. Viagra can also lead to more serious side effects in some, such as flu-like symptoms, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, and painful, long-lasting erection. All of this can be avoided by just using what your mama gave ya and not relying on prescription drugs. 

When it comes to taking prescription medications, there is one rule you must always follow: if a healthcare professional has not prescribed them for you, you shouldn’t be taking them. While we all admire Samantha Jones’ sexual liberation and “try anything once” mentality, we should leave recreational “V” where it belongs… on TV.