Viagra DOESN'T improve relationships: Men who took the drug said their overall life satisfaction hadn't changed Many men said their lives or relationships hadn't improved significantly after taking the drugs - despite them often being seen as a cure-all Medication did generally increase the men's satisfaction and self-esteem But the men they didn't report an improvement in their overall life satisfaction or their overall relationship satisfaction By Daily Mail Reporter and Anna Hodgekiss Viagra and other drugs used to treat impotence do not significantly improve men's relationships, according to researchers. Scientists reviewed 40 clinical trials to examine how taking the medication changed men's lives. The trials involved PDE5 inhibitors - the name for a category of drugs that includes Viagra - which work by relaxing the blood vessels. Disappointing: Many men said their lives or relationships hadn't improved significantly after taking erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra Viagra helps by elevating the levels of the chemical that causes the tissues in the body to relax. The effects on erectile function were discovered accidentally - it was originally developed to improve blood supply to the heart in angina sufferers. It is prescribed for patients such as Mr Aziz, who have restricted blood flow, because it's artery-widening properties mean blood can get to the muscles that need it. However its effect on the arteries can also have negative effects: patients who take the drug may suffer from flushed skin. It can also cause headaches and nausea. Before the start of the studies participants reported their quality of life and relationships were "relatively good" but that they experienced issues with sexual satisfaction. Many of these men also had symptoms of depression. But at the end of the trials, the researchers found participants didn't report an improvement in their overall life satisfaction or their overall relationship satisfaction. Experts say the study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, highlights that while the drugs may help with physical issues, psychological barriers remain. Dr Andrew Kramer, of the University of Maryland Medical Centre, told website Live-Science: "It's simplistic to think that fixing an erection issue would solve relationship issues. Happiness is very complicated. A lot of couples still need additional therapy. The research paper added that there was "growing evidence the negative effects of erectile dysfunction extend beyond the inability to have sex, and impact men's emotional and psychological well-being. "Treatments that target both physical and psychosocial aspects of ED are likely to be the most effective treatments for men with ED," the study said. Though erectile dysfunction is more common in older men - affecting around 65 per cent of over-60s - around 40 per cent of men will have suffered from the problem by the age of 40. Dr Arun Ghosh, a GP specialising in sexual health at the Spire Liverpool Hospital, said: "A lot of these men are suffering from testosterone deficiency syndrome, due to reaching their 40s and putting on weight around the stomach. This causes testosterone levels to drop, resulting in a loss of libido and erectile function. It's worth asking for a blood test if you hit 40 and start developing these symptoms. Help: While Viagra can help with the mechanics, treatments that target both physical and psychological aspects of erectile dysfunction are likely to be the most effective, the study found As well as the problem of mechanics, there is a psychological component to erectile dysfunction. "If you've had a problem even once before, then you're always going to be worried it will happen again," explains Dr Ghosh. In fact, one of the main roles of any treatment is to give men a psychological boost. It's vitally important to use treatment alongside some kind of sexual counselling or therapy, even if the cause is due to something physical such as diabetes. "A man's partner will often say: "Don't worry about it" - but even if he's trying not to think about his performance, he will think about not thinking about it. And before you know it, performance anxiety has kicked in. Anxiety and stress stop the pituitary gland secreting the hormones needed for sex. The body goes into "fight or flight" mode, shutting down all non-essential functions - with sex being one of them."