Can Viagra Improve Your Performance Outside of the Bedroom?

Viagra works by hindering the effects of an enzyme which decreases blood flow to the penis.  In regards to erection, this means that more blood can flow to the penis and firmer, long-lasting erections can be achieved.  But, if Viagra can do this to the male organ, then can it have other positive effects on the body as well?

The World Anti-Doping Agency is asking the same question.  Several years ago, they began to test theories that Viagra may also widen blood vessels in other parts of the body, not just the penis.  This would mean that more blood could easily flow throughout the body and cause more oxygen to reach muscles and organs.  Thus, the cardiovascular system would be able to function more efficiently and muscles would gain endurance.

There have been many major clinical studies into Viagra’s other performance-enhancing effects.  One study, which got the attention of WADA, involved athletes from Stanford University.  The athletes were given Viagra and then had to perform physical tests like cycling 10 kilometers.  Some of the athletes using Viagra were able to increase their performance by up to 40%.  However, these improvements only took place when the cycling took place in a simulated high-altitude environment of 12,700 feet.  When the cycling was performed at sea level environments, no significant improvement was evident.

It would make sense that Viagra gives the best full-body performance-enhancing effect at higher altitudes.  Our blood cells constrict at high altitudes which is why it is more difficult to run on the top of a mountain than at its base.  Further Viagra studies also support this effect.  In 2004, a study was performed in Germany involving mountaineers climbing Mouth Everest.  The study found that Viagra helped relieve the men’s problems with blood vessel constriction while on the mountain and also enhanced their ability to exercise. There are now many other studies in effect which aim to determine whether Viagra will have a positive effect on performance at low altitudes as well as high altitudes.

Currently, the World Anti-Doping Agency has not added Viagra to its list of banned substances.  However, there was the infamous incident of cyclist Andrea Moletta getting banned from the Tour of Italy after officials found about 80 Viagra pills in his father’s car.  If Viagra does get officially banned from sports, we can expect a huge protest from athletes’ lawyers.  It would not be surprising to hear arguments which link sexual health to physical health and performance.  Thus, banning impotent athletes from taking Viagra would sacrifice their athletic abilities.

The studies do support that Viagra has performance-enhancing qualities outside of the bedroom.  However, these effects are likely only negligible at best.  When it comes to sports though, this can mean the difference between a Gold and a Silver medal – especially in sports which take place at high altitudes.  What does all this mean to the millions of men who take Viagra and who aren’t athletes?  Well, not much – unless you are going to be climbing a mountain soon!