Research just published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found the erectile dysfunction drug may raise the risk of melanoma. Researchers studied more than 25,000 men for 10 years and found that those who used sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio) in the three months before the beginning of the study were 84 per cent more likely to get melanoma during the follow-up. What’s worse, the men who reported using the drug some time earlier were 92 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to men who have never used sildenafil.

How could Viagra increase the risk of melanoma?

The drug suppresses an enzyme called PDE5A, which helps men achieve an erection, but at the same time, mimics the activation of a mutation commonly seen in melanoma. More research is required to confirm this link. Erection difficulties are common in men over the age of 50 who are overweight, diabetic, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, or are on medications for these conditions. The blood vessels in the penis are very narrow, and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle will impair blood flow in this important region. The good news is, losing weight and getting healthy can bring dramatic improvements in erectile strength for most men. Sometimes there is a genuine need for Viagra, and it can improve quality of life for many men. It’s important to be aware that there are risks with its use, and it should not be used like a recreational drug. Reference