Korean Men 'Satisfied' with Viagra

Korean men who take Viagra to treat impotence appear to be satisfied with the results. Surveyed patients show a much better rating on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) after having treatment with Viagra.

Professor An Tae-young, a medic in the Department of Urology at Asan Medical Center, reported that a survey conducted on 185 male patients taking Viagra last year, revealed 123 patients were happy with the results. This 75-percent satisfaction ratio is higher than the results of surveys on Japanese and American men, which gave it a 60-percent and 70-percent approval rating respectively.

Professor An prescribed his patients with 50mg of Viagra, and adjusted dosages according to positive and negative effects they displayed. He also regularly measured patients against the IIEF.

As a result, erectile function rose from 31.7 to 44.9 on the index, 13 points up. Intensity of feeling also rose from 4.8 to 6.4, 1.6 points higher than before. Sexual desire ratings rose by 0.8 points. As the satisfaction ratings for the overall quality of sexual life increased by 1.6 points, from 4.3 to 5.9, most patients appear to benefit from Viagra.

However, 50 percent of patients questioned said they would not tell their sexual partners they were taking Viagra, indicating the social unease with the issue of impotence.

In response to a question about the satisfaction of sexual partners, 86 patients answered positively. Dissatisfaction on the part of sexual partners was indicated by 32 men, whereas 20 indicated 'moderately satisfied' and 40 gave no response,

Meanwhile, those who took Viagra had mild symptoms such as face-reddening, headaches, and indigestion. In terms of age, those in their 50s topped the list at 37 percent.

by Kang Chan-soo