Get Your Boner Checked Before We Medicate

I don’t know if it’s good news or bad news, but state Senator Nina Turner of Ohio has just introduced a new bill that would require men to seek therapy and undergo a series of tests before receiving treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Senate Bill 307 seeks to keep men informed about health issues and side-effects related to taking drugs like Cialis and Viagra to treat their Erectile Dysfunction.

Turner commented in her press release about the bill:

“When a man makes a crucial decision about his health and his body, he should be fully aware of the alternative options and the lifetime repercussions of that decision.”

“This legislation will take strong steps to protect men from the harmful effects of PDE-5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase type 5). PDE-5 inhibitors are prescribed to men who are experiencing symptoms of male impotence and carry serious side effects such as priapism, hearing loss, and vision loss.”

“Please join us in this fight to protect those who are our greatest protectors. The men in our lives generously devote time and debate to fundamental female reproductive issues; the least we can do is return the favor.”

This all sounds pretty good to me. I have heard horror stories about people who abuse these types of medications and I think it is wise to take a stand on the issue. Many who are suffering from this disorder do so for psychological reasons and it is not appropriate to introduce these chemicals into their bodies needlessly. This stuff can really mess you up. I am with her on this, but then she loses me with her next comment.

Again Turner comments in her press release for the bill:

“The diligence with which men in state legislatures across the nation have considered the fragile health and feeble minds of women has prompted me to reflect on the welfare of the more powerful breed: men.”

I didn’t realize that our government was being funded for a boys vs. girls legislation match, but maybe it is. In that case, “I don’t like your idea ’cause your a girl! Eh! We wanna be fat and have boners!”.

Anyhow, here’s the main gist of her goals for the bill, all kidding aside:

The bill seeks to protect the lives and health of men by requiring the following prior to receiving a prescription to treatment for erectile dysfunction:

• a signed affadavit from at least one sex partner confirming the man has indeed experienced the symptoms of impotence in the past 90 days

• a psychological screening to ensure the condition is, in fact, medical in nature

• ongoing cardiac stress tests and outpatient counseling about potential side effects

• information from the prescribing physician about risks and complications, as well as non-medical options including counseling and celibacy

• a copy of medical rationale for treatment filed in the patient’s medical record

Here’s what people on Twitter had to say: