Physicians’ Moral Dilemmas in the Age of Viagra

Abstract

Oral phosphodiesterase5 inhibitors (PDE5i; e.g., Viagra®) have become the first line of treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Relying on interviews with 38 physicians, this study explored moral dilemmas associated with the prescription of PDE5i. Moral dilemmas at the micro level concerned the interest of the patients in receiving medical treatment, even when this was counter-indicated. At the meso level, physicians expressed their concerns about the impact of PDE5i on their patients’ partners. At the macro level, physicians discussed the substantial contribution of the pharmaceutical industry to the education of patients and physicians about pharmacological treatments for sexual problems. Physicians had no moral concerns about industry involvement, and they reported only the benefits associated with it. The study raises moral issues associated with the treatment of ED. As such, it enhances the importance of facilitating a biopsychosocial approach to treat sexual dysfunctions.