Large numbers of homosexual men, and a smaller number of heterosexual men, are combining Viagra with illicit drugs to achieve a potentially deadly "sexual high," a new study finds. The report, which was presented at last week's HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta, focused on high-risk sexual behavior among gay men who use Viagra along with drugs like ecstasy, ketamine, amphetamines, GHB and "poppers" to heighten their sexual experience. San Francisco epidemiologist Andrea Kim, who conducted the study, found that of 844 male patients at an STD clinic, 32 percent of gay respondents and 7 percent of heterosexual respondents used Viagra.

While many illicit drugs used at clubs and parties give a euphoric high, they often also result in loss of erection. "We know that ecstasy and methamphetamines reduce sexual function, so the men are using Viagra to enhance their sexual ability," said Kim. But combining Viagra and amyl nitrite ("poppers"), both of which dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure, "can cause cardiac events," according to Dr. Daniel Keyes, chief of toxicology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Although rare, another possible medical condition is priapism, in which a painful erection that lasts for hours can result in permanent damage.

The study found that gay men who used Viagra had more sexual partners compared to straight men and were more likely to engage in sex with individuals who did not know their HIV status or who were HIV-positive. And because many of the men taking Viagra in combination with other drugs are getting it from friends, "they're not getting the information they need from a doctor," who might warn them of potential risks, Kim said.

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