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Review
. 2010 Feb;23(1):53-6.
doi: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e328334de0b.

Use of crystal methamphetamine, Viagra, and sexual behavior

Dennis G Fisher  1 , Grace L Reynolds, Lucy E Napper
Affiliations
Review

Use of crystal methamphetamine, Viagra, and sexual behavior

Dennis G Fisher et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Methamphetamine (meth) use has been shown in the literature to be associated with high-risk sexual behavior for both homosexual (MSM) and heterosexual samples for over a decade. The use of Viagra has also been shown to be associated with high-risk sexual behavior. The purpose of this review is to update the record on Viagra and on the combination of Viagra and meth use.

Recent findings: There is now strong evidence that the use of Viagra is associated with HIV seroconversion in MSM. The combination of taking both meth and Viagra is strongly associated with much higher sexually transmitted disease and HIV rates. There is some evidence that Viagra is associated with insertive and meth is associated with receptive anal intercourse by men.

Summary: The evidence is strong to support the relationship between Viagra use and HIV seroconversion now that more sophisticated analyses have been done. The meth-Viagra recreational drug combination is of very high risk. More research is needed to generate longitudinal and event-level data that are necessary to answer fine-grained questions about drug combinations and the relationship with sexual behavior.

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References

    1. Halkitis PN, Mukherjee PP, Palamar JJ. Longitudinal modeling of methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors in gay and bisexual men. AIDS Behav. 2009;13:783–791. This is the only longitudinal study that relates meth use patterns with high-risk sexual behavior, but it does not include Viagra. Compare with Ostrow et al. 2009. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Mimiaga MJ, Fair AD, Mayer K, et al. Experiences and sexual behaviors of HIV-infected MSM who acquired HIV in the context of crystal methamphetamine use. AIDS Education and Prevention. 2008;20:30–41. - PubMed
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