We as Americans in a culture laden with sexuality portrayed by media can get a little overwhelmed by level at which "The Bar" is at. Additionally, it may not be overtly obvious to us that we, as a culture, are not open about our sexuality and sexual experiences in spite of the apparent gross frankness we are able to address the sexual concerns of celebrities, characters in television shows and movies, etc. Why, we can even go to our local grocery store and always always always pick up an issue of Cosmo, which promises to inform us on the topics of "75 Crazy-Hot Sex Moves" or more simply on "How to Have Good Sex". Now, I am not going to claim every article of Cosmomopolitan and similar magazines is contributing to a wacked out, unrealistic version of American sexuality, but the precedent of "31 Days of Sex" and "Experience OMG Yes Pleasure Tonight!" (both real Cosmo articles, btw) certainly indicates an American cultural phenomenon where a specific group of young adult women act as vixens in order to keep their dates/boyfriends sexually satisfied. One underlying message women are literally buying into is "If I am sexually talented and voracious enough, my man will not leave me to 'sow his wild oats'" as the old saying goes.
On the other hand, media manipulation of sexuality is not limited simply to women. Men too are sometimes subjected to media manipulation regarding their sexuality. Before Viagra, male "potency" supplements existed, of course. But certainly, after Viagra hit the consumer market in a big way, there is greater openess about a notable sexual problem generally affecting older men. Similar medications are now out on the market competing with Viagra, but there's also a resurgence in "herbal medicines" or " sex elixers" which are untested by the FDA and have unknown effects (let alone side effects!) on the individual's health. (Or at least effects untested through a clinical trial.)
Openness about "male sexual dysfunction" is certainly a consequence of marketing Viagra that is likely more markedly positive than negative. There was a ripple effect and thus, a drug which was only suitable for a relatively small portion of the population, is now advertised and used by a wider segment of the population than strictly necessary. It's even known to be used recreationally! Medications of course, are in the best of scenarios, described by careful and meticulous doctors who only dole out the drug when it is medically necessary. No medications should be administered to persons who do not need the medication in order to minimize health risks. Doctors and pharmicists are hard-pressed to find and create drugs without side effects; certainly a hard-on lasting for four hours is no picnic. Young people with good blood pressure and the ability to be physically active without much difficulty do not need Viagra.
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