Towards the end of the 1990s there was a sexual revolution for many men in their 50s with the introduction of Sildenafil (Viagra). Sildenafil (Viagra) was the answer for men in their 50s and older to rediscover there lost masculinity. Sildenafil (Viagra) almost guaranteed an erection as long as there was sexual desire. This gave men the opportunity to engage in sex with their partner without the fear of failing to obtain a firm erection.
Millions of men across the western world began to turn back the sexual clock by using this modern wonder drug. Sildenafil (Viagra) offered men across the world the opportunity to enjoy a new and vigorous sex life. The days of continually agonising if they were going to obtain an adequate erection were gone. It was both empowering and liberating.
But is Sildenafil (Viagra) all that it’s cracked up to be? Are men constantly focusing on the proof of their masculinity by being able to obtain and sustain an erection? Is it healthy for men in their 50s and older to be trying to turn back the sexual clock? Rather than understand and accept that it’s a natural progression for the body to change and age over time?
Many specialists have raised their concerns over the medicalization of male sexuality and the constant focus on performance over the relational aspect of sexuality. Male sexuality is not as straight forward as men and society would often like to think. Research has indicated that an erection does not mean that couples are enjoying a happy satisfying sexual relationship. A lot of research points to the lack of sensuality, interpersonal connection and intimacy that is often absent from the lives of men.
The medical world is persistently focusing on male erectile dysfunction as purely physical problem which can be easily solved with an ever increasing range of pills. It’s failing to acknowledge that sexual and emotional problems are closely linked. Many men in their 50s have never been liberated from the gender roles that have limited their emotional, personal and sexual development.
Christopher Swane - Counselling And Psychotherapy For Men - Wellington New Zealand
