Study shows link
between meth, Viagra, and risky sex

A new study of gay and bisexual men in San Francisco shows that many of those who are engaging in unprotected anal sex are taking crystal methamphetamine, Viagra, or both prior to having sex. Reporting in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, the researchers say that about 53% of the study subjects they interviewed reported having unprotected anal sex during their most recent sexual encounter. Of those men, 15% used meth before having sex, 6% used Viagra, and 2% used both drugs.

The study also showed that 12% of the men reported unprotected insertive anal sex with a partner of a different HIV serostatus or one of unknown serostatus; 17% had unprotected receptive anal sex with a partner of different or unknown serostatus.

"Encounter-specific associations of methamphetamine and Viagra use with unprotected receptive and insertive anal sex, respectively, indicate the importance of ... tailoring risk reduction efforts to address certain drugs and sexual behavioral roles among men who have sex with men," the authors write. (The Advocate)