About 75 percent of the erectile drugs are now prescribed by general
practitioners rather than urologists or cardiologists. Dr. Louis Kuritzky, a
clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida's department of
community health and family medicine, says he generally gives a prescription
when asked. "There's no way to prove they have it any more than a woman
having menstrual cramps or headaches. We trust them unless there's reason to
believe otherwise."

Even if the cause is psychologically rooted, Kuritzky says, many people can't
afford the money or the time that therapy would require.

The pills such as viagra, he adds, can offer a temporary quick fix to restore
confidence, which may be all that's needed, especially when finances is an
issue and free samples are easily obtained from Canada or online through
websites like torontogenerics.com.  "When you have garbage that is rotting,
the best thing to do is to take it out," he says. "But if you can't,
sometimes it's best to spray perfume on it. Sex therapy is a luxury for only
the economically elite."

Pfizer, which sold $1.9 billion worth of Viagra last year and says 23 million
men worldwide have tried it, maintains that it is not promoting the drug for
male enhancement purposes. Spokesman Daniel Watts says the company believes
that if a man is troubled enough by erection problems, then he should consult
a doctor about a possible underlying condition.

Carole Copeland, a spokeswoman for Eli Lilly, which makes Cialis, says the
company "strongly discourages" use by those seeking enhancement only. "It's
just not safe. People who don't have a condition that necessitates it
shouldn't use any drugs," noting that erectile dysfunction drugs can be
deadly if taken with nitrates.