Entry # 19

Decision Point: Advertising for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is no laughing matter. Imagine the psychological turmoil it gives to men affected by it because they think they’re a shame to society. I don’t see any reason why these prescription drugs should not be advertised. After all, other drugs have advertisements, so why can’t these drugs have it as well?

I understand that people have completely morphed the image of the use of Viagra from being an actual medical drug into a recreational/novelty one. I don’t need to wonder why people are so against having ads about it, especially when it is shown at times where a child may be able to watch it. These kinds of drugs have been shown in bad light for so long that it’s hard to change how people perceive it to be.

I do get that these drugs have numerous side effects so it’s better to turn to alternatives (e.g: therapies, treatments) that have lesser side effects. But, I get what pharmaceutical companies are trying to do. I know that there is still a stigma against erectile dysfunction and a lot of men are too embarrassed to go to the doctor regarding it because they don’t see it as a real medical problem. The pharmaceutical companies are simply offering an alternative that would seem most plausible to men – even if it means allowing consumers to buy the drug without seeking medical help, and this is where the problem comes in.

Honestly speaking, I am not against advertising drugs for erectile dysfunction. There is a reason why these drugs exist and it should be used responsibly. However, I think marketing these drugs can be problematic because of the image it has already established.  If it can be made to make it more serious instead of putting mature content that makes the ads funny to some, then I think it will be more effective. Air time should also be looked into because most of the time, ads for these kinds of drugs have mature content, and it is not suitable for kids.

In the end, I think the most important thing when marketing these drugs is that they should send off the message that erectile dysfunction is not something to be laughed at, that it’s better to seek medical help, and that it should be used accordingly.  It should send off the message that these prescription drugs are simply an alternative to the wide array of medical help that are available.