Malaysian men top Viagra users

(AFP) – Malaysian men are the world’s biggest consumers of Viagra pills per capita, according to a study by the impotence drug’s local distributors.

The revelation was splashed across the front pages of Malaysia’s newspapers today and described as “alarming” by Health Minister Chua Jui Meng.

The study, carried out by Pfizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd, revealed that some 40,000 men have been taking the potency pill regularly on a prescription basis since it was first marketed here two and a half years ago. Malaysia has a total population of some 23 million.

“It’s a cause for concern and not a cause for celebration,” Chua was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

He said the study showed that many Malaysian men suffered from erectile dysfunction (ED) or had a desire to enhance their sexual capabilities.

Male menopause, or andropause, should not be “unconditionally accepted” by men who were inflicted with the problem, but medical advice should be sought to treat the condition, he said.

The study showed that half of the men found to be using Viagra were diabetic, while the rest suffered from hypertension, high cholesterol levels or were smokers.