Viagra May Give Athletes an Advantage

Study probes increased 'oxygen-carrying' capacity in blood

By Amelia Atlas, Newser User

Posted Nov 23, 2008 5:58 AM CST

(Newser) – Researchers are investigating whether Viagra provides athletes with an unfair advantage at high altitudes, the New York Times reports. By dilating blood vessels, Viagra may increase an individual's oxygen-carrying capacity. The test subjects in the Marywood University study are lacrosse players, who laugh off classmates' teasing that comes with taking the bedroom-friendly drug. "I think they're looking for tips" from us, said a player.

It remains unclear if Viagra will be officially banned in athletic events, and there is no evidence yet that it's popular among athletes. Some scientists are skeptical that the drug could provide a competitive edge, claiming that it's "extremely difficult, if not impossible" to prove Viagra enhances athletic performance. Still, the World Anti-Doping Agency, which is financing the study, has reason to investigate: Last May an Italian cyclist was found with 82 of the illicit pills.

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Lacrosse players at Marywood University are test subjects in the study. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

A bottle of Viagra sits on the counter of a store in Hollywood, Florida. The drug, commonly used for impotence, may aid athletes at high altitudes. (Getty Images)

Cycling is a sport in which Viagra may hold advantages according to a new study. Last May, an Italian cyclist withdrew from the Tour of Itality after he was found with 82 pills. (AP Photo/Franck Prevel, File)

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Basically, it allows you to compete with a sea level, or near-sea level, aerobic capacity at altitude. - Dr. Kenneth W. Rundell, director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Marywood

It may take awhile to live this one down. You’ve got to pay for college somehow. - George Downey, study participant

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Viagra May Give Athletes an Advantage