Viagra used by athletes for boosting performance
Viagra may soon appear on the WADA’s list of banned substances. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) is entrusted with the role of monitoring drug use in sports.
This move is prompted by revelations of Viagra use by athletes for boosting performance.
Viagra is currently used for treating erectile dysfunction and its beneficial role in improving performance is still not clear.
From News-Medical.Net:
While research on cyclists who took Viagra found that it improved their time over 6km by 15 per cent other research has found this does not apply to all athletes and was not a significant performance enhancer at sea level.
Competitor, Andrea Moletta was suspended last month from Italy’s biggest bike race following a search of his father’s car which discovered syringes hidden in toothpaste tubes as well as Viagra pills.
Many athletes are said to use the drug and there is also a suspicion that it is popular because it may counteract the effects of steroids, used by athletes to build their muscles, which can induce impotence.
Drug company Pfizer which produces Viagra says they are aware of the issue but do not promote Viagra other than for its recommended use.
WADA is presently examining Viagra and the drug may not be termed as illegal till the findings suggest otherwise.
Tags: drug use in sports, erectile dysfunction, Steroids, Viagra
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