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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be worried about sex drugs I found

243 replies

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 17:58

Sorry for loooong message - I've literally just discovered this and been sat on the floor in the bathroom for 30 minutes wondering what to do.

DH of nearly 20 years has gone away with work so I was happily having a thorough spring clean and 'Sort Your Life Out' style tidy. Going through all the bathroom cupboards, consolidating multiple buys of things, getting rid of empty bottles, etc.

I had done mine, my children's stuff, travel bags, toiletries, and sorting through old bath toys to get rid of, but then I thought I might as well do his cupboard too - it was the last one.

I pulled everything out and found, right at the back...

1 temporary hair dye kit... that was weird enough. I was never aware he'd used hair dye and he's never told me about. He's never coloured his hair apart from for fancy dress, when it was a spray can job and I did it for him. The dried foam on the inside of the clear lid implies it's been used at least once.

1 brown cardboard delivery box with a 6 boxes of drugs in it. He takes heart and blood pressure stuff anyway, so assumed it was that. Pulled one out to consolidate with his other pills and realised...

It said on the box, "Take one 30 minutes before sex."

Now... he's never had any problem in that area, with me, anyway.

He's never told me he was getting these drugs.

I wouldn't have thought he taken one 30 minutes before being with me as it's never that premeditated.

It's not a medical prescription - he's bought them, clearly off some random company on the web. Which is worrying with his heart/blood pressure meds.

The delivery slip said 7 boxes, but there were only 6 remaining and one of them was empty (told you he was a hoarder), the other half-full. Each box contains 4 tablets, so that means 4+4+2 times he's used them already - ten times - and I've not been made aware of this.

There is a complication in our relationship as a few years ago I got cancer and had a double mastectomy. I have had reconstructions, but my relationship with my body has not been good since. I am covered in scars and don't have much feeling anyway.

That, with menopause and anxiety (I suspect also undiagnosed ADHD), the death of a parent and insecurity in my job...it has all completely killed my sex drive. So we don't have sex that often. And when we do, I can barely cope with penetration as it's so painful. HRT is not an option because of the cancer. So it's usually me pleasing him orally because I still love him and don't want him to miss out just because I don't feel sexy. To be honest, I love that I can still do that for him and get that reaction from him.

He is incredibly affectionate with me, has been so patient, loving, supportive and kind through the last few rocky years, and says that he's with me every step of the way and not going anywhere.

So until now, I had no reason to believe anything to the contrary.

I looked at the date of the drugs and they were bought 15 months AFTER my mastectomies when I was really not being sexual at all and 2 months before my second round of surgery so again, I wasn't having sex with him then either.

I wish I could remember how many times we've had sex in the last 3 years, but I'd struggle to say it was 10 times with all the surgeries and grief and anxiety and depression I've been going through. (I have recently gone to a doctor and asked for anti-anxiety meds as it's got really bad - I have an assessment and blood tests and an ECG to go through first)

I just thought how lucky was I to have this amazing patient saint of a man looking after me and being there for me.

Now of course I'm imagining the worst.

That, no wonder he's been smiling through all of this if he's getting his end away anyway and getting away with it.

I'm not a suspicious person, never had any reason to doubt him before (he doesn't even go out that much - he's a real homebody and family man, loves cooking and entertaining...) and have never even looked at his phone.

I'm not here to have everyone confirm my suspicions - I can see in black and white how this looks.

I'm asking MN here (if you can) to give me a perfectly reasonable, non-adulterous explanation for what I've found.

Might there be one?

I will speak to him tonight but won't see him till Wednesday.

Meanwhile I've got to be mum to our kids and act normal round them.

Do I bring it up with him? It will be easier to lie to my face with distance. What do I say? Or do I wait till he's back?

I'm now even doubting he's away with work. I've always trusted him all this time and all our friends and family think we're the best couple ever.

AIBU?

Yes - there may be a non-adulterous explanation (please do say!).

No - wise up woman FFS.

I'm really scared to press 'post' but here goes... (please be gentle).

Thank you for reading this far.

OP posts:
Ellaitchar · 19/04/2026 21:09

Haven't read the whole thread so apologies if this has been covered, but there are alternative reasons why someone could have 'sex pills'. A friend of mine was prescribed Tadalafil for prostate issues, but they are commonly used to treat ED as well. Could be that.

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:11

ToKittyornottoKitty · 19/04/2026 18:39

I can understand your surprise but I think you’ve made quite the leap here to assume he’s sleeping around. Why would he need medication for an exciting affair but not for stuff with you? Personally, and of course I would well be wrong, but I would have assumed without full penetration or regular sex, combined with being older and on medication himself, he’s worried that he won’t be able to get there without the medication, and he’s not told you as he doesnt want to make you feel insecure about yourself after your operation and struggles with sex etc.

Using hair dye without telling you…. well he doesn’t need to mention it really. He can feel insecure about his grays without being a cheat.

You should bring it up and see what he says, but I can’t see any reason at all to assume the worst.

That first para is a very kind take - thank you. I did say I have a wild imagination but I was also shocked because of the conversations we'd had around Viagra and the possible health risks to him.

He's a silver fox - definitely not hiding his greys - and I cut his hair (have done since lockdown) so I'd have noticed! The hair dye thing is odd - not in itself signs of being a cheat but the two discoveries together did make my imagination spiral.

It was the drugs that really gave me a shock though. We have a very honest relationship - having a near death experience like cancer does that to you, but we've had other issues which needed full transparency to sort things in the past, so the secrecy of them is concerning.

OP posts:
CheeseAndTomatoSandwichWithMayo · 19/04/2026 21:12

Am I losing the plot. It can be used to TREAT hypertension? Isn't he already on tablets for hypertension?

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:13

Ellaitchar · 19/04/2026 21:09

Haven't read the whole thread so apologies if this has been covered, but there are alternative reasons why someone could have 'sex pills'. A friend of mine was prescribed Tadalafil for prostate issues, but they are commonly used to treat ED as well. Could be that.

Thank you. He's never had any problems in the past. No prostrate problems I'm aware of. We are very open about our health issues - frequently will pick up prescriptions for each other etc. And he didn't get them prescribed. They were delivered in a cardboard box with a delivery note. So the secrecy of these drugs was concerning.

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:18

CheeseAndTomatoSandwichWithMayo · 19/04/2026 21:12

Am I losing the plot. It can be used to TREAT hypertension? Isn't he already on tablets for hypertension?

Yes. He is prescribed drugs for high blood pressure and his heart. Two lots of drugs.

These ones were not prescribed and he got off the internet.

I'm concerned about

a) the source.(not medical)
b) the secrecy (why not tell me if it's for my benefit? We are very open about other things)
c) the possible side effects combined with his other drugs
d) when he got them (I was in mid cancer treatment - not a sexy time)
e) and for whose benefit

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:20

Sunshine1500 · 19/04/2026 20:14

also tadalifil is used for other purposes that erectile dis function

These ones were sold on the internet - not prescribed.

He's never had ED.

The label on them expressly gave instructions as to when and how many to take before sex.

I doubt they were bought (without prescription) to treat something he didn't know he had.

OP posts:
trampolinebounce · 19/04/2026 21:24

Haven't read all the thread but most of it so I dont know if it's been mentioned. You say dated 2 years ago and quarterly work get aways. Surely that would account for at least 8 pills? 10 missing?

If he was using them for himself surely more would be gone?

Im sorry this is going on but deffo have a face to convocation with him. Hopefully its something else entirely.

CheeseAndTomatoSandwichWithMayo · 19/04/2026 21:25

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:18

Yes. He is prescribed drugs for high blood pressure and his heart. Two lots of drugs.

These ones were not prescribed and he got off the internet.

I'm concerned about

a) the source.(not medical)
b) the secrecy (why not tell me if it's for my benefit? We are very open about other things)
c) the possible side effects combined with his other drugs
d) when he got them (I was in mid cancer treatment - not a sexy time)
e) and for whose benefit

I think you're right to be concerned on every point.

I think its unlikely he's having an affair (although this new boys weekend bothers me) but I do wonder about sex workers

The medication mix is potentially horrifying and the fact that he's chosen to mix it up knowing how it could affect him, you, everything........ is shockingly selfish

I'd video call him so that you can see his reaction and get it "out there" before Wednesday

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:27

ToKittyornottoKitty · 19/04/2026 18:41

What difference does it make? I don’t mean it in the snippy way it probably sounds, but why do you need to know?

Thank you - I thought it was irrelevant too! It was the instruction on the side of the box and the secrecy that hit harder.

OP posts:
Ellaitchar · 19/04/2026 21:28

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:13

Thank you. He's never had any problems in the past. No prostrate problems I'm aware of. We are very open about our health issues - frequently will pick up prescriptions for each other etc. And he didn't get them prescribed. They were delivered in a cardboard box with a delivery note. So the secrecy of these drugs was concerning.

Edited

Again, this may not apply to your situation but the secrecy element may again not be anything sinister. I myself have ordered pills for slightly embarrassing ailments using online pharmacies. He may be doing the same for a prostate issue.

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:31

trampolinebounce · 19/04/2026 21:24

Haven't read all the thread but most of it so I dont know if it's been mentioned. You say dated 2 years ago and quarterly work get aways. Surely that would account for at least 8 pills? 10 missing?

If he was using them for himself surely more would be gone?

Im sorry this is going on but deffo have a face to convocation with him. Hopefully its something else entirely.

That's good mathing. I hadn't thought of that.

Or his boys' weekends. But his mates are all married and I've seen photos of those nights. No women would touch this bunch of shitfaced middle aged men and I genuinely don't think they would ALL cheat on their wives.

OP posts:
Wanderlust510 · 19/04/2026 21:33

Cant help with the reasonings why hes got them, but online pharmacys do send medication out with no name on the box sometimes. You still have to do an online consultation and it has to be approved before its sent out.
Youve had a really rough few years, dont jump to conclusions and worst case scenarios. You say hes never had ED, he may have just hid this from you because he finds it embarassing. It sounds like you have a good marriage so just speaking to him and seeing his reaction is your best bet.

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:33

Ellaitchar · 19/04/2026 21:28

Again, this may not apply to your situation but the secrecy element may again not be anything sinister. I myself have ordered pills for slightly embarrassing ailments using online pharmacies. He may be doing the same for a prostate issue.

You have a very kind heart to assume that.

Is that where your mind would go if you were me? x

OP posts:
Dappy777 · 19/04/2026 21:35

Others have given much better advice than I could. I’d just like to wish you well OP. I hope everything turns out OK xx

Ellaitchar · 19/04/2026 21:36

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:33

You have a very kind heart to assume that.

Is that where your mind would go if you were me? x

No I'd think he was fucking prostitutes. But I'd not be completely sure.

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:37

CheeseAndTomatoSandwichWithMayo · 19/04/2026 21:25

I think you're right to be concerned on every point.

I think its unlikely he's having an affair (although this new boys weekend bothers me) but I do wonder about sex workers

The medication mix is potentially horrifying and the fact that he's chosen to mix it up knowing how it could affect him, you, everything........ is shockingly selfish

I'd video call him so that you can see his reaction and get it "out there" before Wednesday

Edited

The 'new' boys weekend has been in the diary for ages - he goes away with his school mates a couple of times a year.

I did wonder if he's resorted to getting it elsewhere as he's not getting much from me any more. Not because I don't love him. But I'm really struggling with my own body and mind.

But yes, the disregard for potential side effects mixed with the other drugs is worrying.

I've texted him to ask how his evening is going and he said he's still out but will call later. I'm not sure I can wait till Wednesday as it's eating me up.

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:39

Dappy777 · 19/04/2026 21:35

Others have given much better advice than I could. I’d just like to wish you well OP. I hope everything turns out OK xx

Thank you - me too xxx

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:41

Ellaitchar · 19/04/2026 21:36

No I'd think he was fucking prostitutes. But I'd not be completely sure.

I love the honesty of that comment (although not the subject!). It did make me laugh a little.

OP posts:
LeftBoobGoneRogue · 19/04/2026 21:41

@TellmeImwrongnow
I think the drug is called Tadalafil and it’s similar to Viagra but stays in the dogs for longer, maybe 36 hours so you can be more flexible when you have sex. Viagra is only effective for a few hours after it’s taken.

CheeseAndTomatoSandwichWithMayo · 19/04/2026 21:43

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:37

The 'new' boys weekend has been in the diary for ages - he goes away with his school mates a couple of times a year.

I did wonder if he's resorted to getting it elsewhere as he's not getting much from me any more. Not because I don't love him. But I'm really struggling with my own body and mind.

But yes, the disregard for potential side effects mixed with the other drugs is worrying.

I've texted him to ask how his evening is going and he said he's still out but will call later. I'm not sure I can wait till Wednesday as it's eating me up.

Edited

Yes. I can understand that re eating you up. You have a great marriage, fabulous communication and yet he's taking unprescribed tablets which , for all we know, could make him extremely unwell. That's just not fair to you.

Do you video chat? That would be a good way to watch his face when you produce the pills

Maybe he has prostate issues, hasn't wanted to bother you after all you've been through , and has got these tablets to help his prostate with the added bonus that he gets prolonged erections for masturbating ?

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 21:48

LeftBoobGoneRogue · 19/04/2026 21:41

@TellmeImwrongnow
I think the drug is called Tadalafil and it’s similar to Viagra but stays in the dogs for longer, maybe 36 hours so you can be more flexible when you have sex. Viagra is only effective for a few hours after it’s taken.

That's the one. It says no more than one pill every 36 hours. So I presume that would last a weekend or few days away, if that was his game.

OP posts:
Corvidsarethebest · 19/04/2026 21:56

I think you are barking up the wrong tree. If he was using these regularly and away from home, he'd have them with him right now, no? And he'd be using far more.

I order medication online without telling my loved ones because I know they will criticise me, I have ordered Valium and a sleeping medication, and I don't want to discuss it with them. I have also ordered weight loss drugs secretly, again, because when I've been frank, I've felt judged.

If that's the quantity used, I suspect he tried them a few times at home.

I don't see anything incredibly suspicious in this, per se, I'd ask him and see his reaction.

The hair dye is totally irrelevant.

If he'd said, can I get some sex drugs whilst you are having treatment for cancer, it would have seemed highly insensitive, I think he's tried to be sensitive and ended up secretive.

Of course, he might be up to something, but the quantity itself and the hiddenness doesn't scream secret love affair to me. You know him best though, and will get a lot of information from how he responds.

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 22:00

Apearlybum · 19/04/2026 20:57

In your shoes, I’d leave the thread
and wait to speak to my partner of 20 years
speculating is going to achieve nothing aside from making the chat with him loaded and fraught from the very word go

You are right. Thank you.

I'm going to log out.

I've had a good think and we'll video call tonight. (I can't wait till Wednesday, it is eating me up).

I'm feeling sick at bringing it up but I'm going to have to.

Thank you to those who have been so kind and tried to calm me down or see other reasons.

And to those who opened my eyes to other possibilities.

I'll update once we've spoken. But maybe not tonight.

x

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 22:03

Corvidsarethebest · 19/04/2026 21:56

I think you are barking up the wrong tree. If he was using these regularly and away from home, he'd have them with him right now, no? And he'd be using far more.

I order medication online without telling my loved ones because I know they will criticise me, I have ordered Valium and a sleeping medication, and I don't want to discuss it with them. I have also ordered weight loss drugs secretly, again, because when I've been frank, I've felt judged.

If that's the quantity used, I suspect he tried them a few times at home.

I don't see anything incredibly suspicious in this, per se, I'd ask him and see his reaction.

The hair dye is totally irrelevant.

If he'd said, can I get some sex drugs whilst you are having treatment for cancer, it would have seemed highly insensitive, I think he's tried to be sensitive and ended up secretive.

Of course, he might be up to something, but the quantity itself and the hiddenness doesn't scream secret love affair to me. You know him best though, and will get a lot of information from how he responds.

One tablet lasts 36 hours so he doesn't need to take all 7 boxes on a trip - just one tablet.

But I hope you are right and I am barking.

OP posts:
CinderellaGotOld · 19/04/2026 22:05

I have just been debating whether to start a thread about the same thing. Found ED drugs in my DH’s wallet - 2 had been used and one had fallen out the packet into the wallet. I asked him about them and he said he’d ordered them online and had been using them when we have sex as he doesn’t want to waste the opportunity when it happens (my sex drive is also on the floor). All of that is understandable as he has had performance issues in the past. However it’s the fact they were in his wallet which I didn’t like and he even joked about why he needed to keep them in there and how much more streamlined it was now he has taken them out. But something wasn’t sitting right so I checked his wallet again. The stray tablet was still in there. He was away overnight the next day. I checked when he was back and it is gone and the pocket is ripped. I don’t think it was ripped before and so I’m imagining it happened as he’s trying to get the pill out in a hurry. I’m spiralling but have decided now to do some digging before I confront him as he’ll have some sort of answer for me (like it must have fallen out the hole) that I’ll want to believe but don’t think I do Guess just wanted to share and say I get how you’re feeling.