« That stings | Main | Robots! »
June 16, 2008
Makes sense
Here's something I never thought I'd read: professional athletes supposedly took Viagra before games to give themselves a little boost. But all is not well, because according to doctors, using Viagra like that can kill you:
For those young jocks or even middle-aged weekend warriors thinking about taking Viagra to help their performance on the field, be careful.
In the wake of a report in the New York Daily News that claimed Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and other star athletes took Viagra to help them athletically -- and not just in the bedroom -- experts cautioned men from going overboard popping the "male enhancement'' pills.
Experts said the drug should be used only after consultation with a doctor. Even then, the potential side effects of the drug if used regularly during strenuous athletic activity are largely unknown. And the long-term effects aren't well understood, which would make it risky for budding athletes -- preteens or teenagers -- to try it.
"It's unwise and potentially incredibly dangerous to be taking it without consulting a doctor,'' said Scott Eggener, an assistant professor of surgery and urology at the University of Chicago.
Among the hazards, Eggener said, is that the drug, which increases blood flow by dilating blood vessels, can reduce blood pressure. Someone who is not properly hydrated, or taking nitrates for a heart condition, could be at risk.
Viagra, I suppose, is the ultimate performance enhancing drug. I just hope none of these guys suffer from priapism!
entry no. 1167
Posted at June 16, 2008 08:52 AM