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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:
GiorgioArmageddi · 19/04/2026 22:10

How deep is this fucking cupboard? 🤣 I’m a wee bit jealous! You’re lucky @TellmeImwrongnow Our bathroom cupboards could never fit a delivery box that had six boxes of medication in it into the cupboard at all, much less have it end up at the very back behind stuff. Our bathroom cupboard is only about 7cm deep 😂 Can I ask, just to be nosey, do you have either a new build or a very old house? I’ve noticed going either way with houses (very new or very old) can get you some enormous bathroom cupboards. I hope my ridiculous bathroom-cupboard-related chain of thought has diverted you for a second; I’m sure everyone will have advice for what you can do, but please: make sure you care for yourself.

It sounds like you’ve been through the absolute wringer and hung out to dry! Poor you, love. BUT. It’s not over until it’s over, and whether your husband is or is not faithful, YOU survived cancer and YOU survived several surgeries and YOU survived reconstruction and YOU are surviving menopause, and YOU will continue to survive, regardless of the role HE plays in your life. You are a strong woman, you are amazing, and whatever the truth is, you can handle it.

VanillaImpulse · 19/04/2026 22:10

As a pharmacist my concern would be if he is taking any nitrates - a GTN spray or something like isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate - these do interact and can cause dangerously low blood pressure when used in combination. Doxazosin is another that should be avoided concurrently.

With the way the directions are printed I don’t think they would have been prescribed for anything else.

Keroppi · 19/04/2026 22:16

Maybe it's just me being jaded but I would never just wait to speak to my partner about something like this - he is already hiding and not speaking to you about stuff. I know spouses have their right to privacy but it's hardly hiding asthma inhalers. Sadly I also would be thinking prostitutes or something similar

It's a shame he took his devices as I certainly would be snooping. I know it's terrible to think of your kind loving dh in this way but you need to be realistic of all possibilities, lots of people have a hidden side and are capable of compartmentalising to do horrible things
He could have a rational explanation or equally can be feeding you lies and then knows you're onto him so will get rid of any other evidence
Sadly I speak from experience

Hugs OP either way it's awful

Laiste · 19/04/2026 22:21

🤞 for you tonight OP.

I hope you return to the thread tomorrow with all fears allayed.

hahabahbag · 19/04/2026 22:23

There could be an innocent explanation, and men can start to struggle in this dept due to age, stress and drugs like antidepressants. Dh has tried them because he was worried about me! Could be he took them to make sure he was okay when you were feeling better?

Ohnobackagain · 19/04/2026 22:35

@TellmeImwrongnow this is going to sound a bit mad but, do you see him often in the buff? Wondering if he has gone grey ‘down below’ and done something mad like trying to dye his muff?

I did not mean that to rhyme 🫣 but we have all done some mad stuff I’m sure.

I hope there turns out to be an innocent explanation for all this. I hope you were able
to ask.

BeardOToots · 19/04/2026 22:42

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.

Was going to type out exactly this, but you’ve beaten me to it.

Didimum · 19/04/2026 22:46

All I can think of is if he’s never had trouble in that department, then why would he need them? For sex especially. It doesn’t make sense. The masturbating use makes more sense?

VividPinkTraybake · 19/04/2026 23:03

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 20:52

Why?! Is it dangerous?! I haven't even dared look it up yet.

The date was a couple of years ago, when I definitely wasn't in that state of mind.

Edited

You can get it without prescription

VividPinkTraybake · 19/04/2026 23:04

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

Excellent advice

Shallysally · 19/04/2026 23:14

VividPinkTraybake · 19/04/2026 23:03

You can get it without prescription

You can but a pharmacy may not issue it given his health issues. Of course he could have chosen to lie on the assessment form

Hellohelga · 19/04/2026 23:20

Im so sorry what you are going through. My DH used viagra wth me once, years ago. It was awful, it made him go like a steam train for AGES. It was like having sex with 18 year old not a middle aged man. He could not have used it with you without you noticing a very distinct change in the sex. Similarly if he used it for self pleasure he’d be at it all night. It looks to me as if he’s using it on his trips away.

Doggodoggo · 19/04/2026 23:22

Just wanted to say that I have also gone through BC, mastectomy, reconstruction and the resulting sex issues. I just wanted to say that if something IS going on PLEASE don't blame yourself. I have had comments from "friends" suggesting it would he understandable if my DH cheated on me due to the issues with sex I have after all this. I absolutely categorically believe this is wrong.

Not to say that this is what is going on, but I just wanted to offer some solidarity. Marriage vows are for in sickness and in health.

GiorgioArmageddi · 19/04/2026 23:28

VanillaImpulse · 19/04/2026 22:10

As a pharmacist my concern would be if he is taking any nitrates - a GTN spray or something like isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate - these do interact and can cause dangerously low blood pressure when used in combination. Doxazosin is another that should be avoided concurrently.

With the way the directions are printed I don’t think they would have been prescribed for anything else.

My concern is that anyone ordering pharmaceuticals off the internet might get something that has just a few grains of fentanyl or something just easily deadly in it. I’ve never forgotten the photo I’ve attached; i assume are plenty of substances where just a few grains could kill you. I mean, it takes only 2mg of fentanyl to kill you; think how small an paracetamol pill is, and it’s got 500mg of paracetamol PLUS how ever many mg of binders. And just TWO mg of fentanyl can kill you. So just 1/250th of an paracetamol tablet!

This isn’t just possibly unfaithful; it’s also seems dangerous as fuck to me. If you’re someone’s next of kin, you should either know the list of that person’s medications, or know where to find said list (example: in your phone notes or in their cupboard). He could have an accident and end up in very serious condition because doctors wouldn’t know if he’d taken that pill and wouldn’t know what it could possibly have in it.

Corvidsarethebest · 19/04/2026 23:30

Hellohelga · 19/04/2026 23:20

Im so sorry what you are going through. My DH used viagra wth me once, years ago. It was awful, it made him go like a steam train for AGES. It was like having sex with 18 year old not a middle aged man. He could not have used it with you without you noticing a very distinct change in the sex. Similarly if he used it for self pleasure he’d be at it all night. It looks to me as if he’s using it on his trips away.

I wish we still have the laugh emoji. Lots of women haven't been that impressed when their husband have tried it apparently. I don't know if anyone I've been with has tried it, they haven't mentioned it but from what you are saying I would notice, possibly?

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:34

Coconutter24 · 19/04/2026 18:41

You say you give him oral, do you surprise him with this or do you let him know before that it is on the table if he wants it? Could it be that if he knows about it he takes a tablet before? Maybe he’s having some issues and is embarrassed to say so has kept it to himself

Nothing is preplanned.

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:37

GiorgioArmageddi · 19/04/2026 22:10

How deep is this fucking cupboard? 🤣 I’m a wee bit jealous! You’re lucky @TellmeImwrongnow Our bathroom cupboards could never fit a delivery box that had six boxes of medication in it into the cupboard at all, much less have it end up at the very back behind stuff. Our bathroom cupboard is only about 7cm deep 😂 Can I ask, just to be nosey, do you have either a new build or a very old house? I’ve noticed going either way with houses (very new or very old) can get you some enormous bathroom cupboards. I hope my ridiculous bathroom-cupboard-related chain of thought has diverted you for a second; I’m sure everyone will have advice for what you can do, but please: make sure you care for yourself.

It sounds like you’ve been through the absolute wringer and hung out to dry! Poor you, love. BUT. It’s not over until it’s over, and whether your husband is or is not faithful, YOU survived cancer and YOU survived several surgeries and YOU survived reconstruction and YOU are surviving menopause, and YOU will continue to survive, regardless of the role HE plays in your life. You are a strong woman, you are amazing, and whatever the truth is, you can handle it.

You sound absolutely lovely and your comment on the cupboard made me giggle - thank you!

This isn't it - but something like it. I think from the same place.

https://www.bathroommountain.co.uk/bermuda-midnight-green-double-basin-vanity-1200mm-brushed-brass-accents-c78655

It's a 30s house. Big rooms.

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:39

VanillaImpulse · 19/04/2026 22:10

As a pharmacist my concern would be if he is taking any nitrates - a GTN spray or something like isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate - these do interact and can cause dangerously low blood pressure when used in combination. Doxazosin is another that should be avoided concurrently.

With the way the directions are printed I don’t think they would have been prescribed for anything else.

Thank you - with parents who are medics, this was my train of thought too.

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:43

Keroppi · 19/04/2026 22:16

Maybe it's just me being jaded but I would never just wait to speak to my partner about something like this - he is already hiding and not speaking to you about stuff. I know spouses have their right to privacy but it's hardly hiding asthma inhalers. Sadly I also would be thinking prostitutes or something similar

It's a shame he took his devices as I certainly would be snooping. I know it's terrible to think of your kind loving dh in this way but you need to be realistic of all possibilities, lots of people have a hidden side and are capable of compartmentalising to do horrible things
He could have a rational explanation or equally can be feeding you lies and then knows you're onto him so will get rid of any other evidence
Sadly I speak from experience

Hugs OP either way it's awful

I'm so sorry you went through this.

I will be doing an update separately on this thread but thankfully all is good I think.

I've just spoken to him.

Big hugs to you too. x

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:48

Doggodoggo · 19/04/2026 23:22

Just wanted to say that I have also gone through BC, mastectomy, reconstruction and the resulting sex issues. I just wanted to say that if something IS going on PLEASE don't blame yourself. I have had comments from "friends" suggesting it would he understandable if my DH cheated on me due to the issues with sex I have after all this. I absolutely categorically believe this is wrong.

Not to say that this is what is going on, but I just wanted to offer some solidarity. Marriage vows are for in sickness and in health.

Oh honey - I'm so sorry that you've been through al this too. It's a LOT.

But FFS - who the hell are your 'friends' to say that?! I'd ditch THEM. What awful human beings after all you went through?!

Did he?

I'm with you - this is wrong. I hope your husband did stick by you?

Thank you for the solidarity and my DMs are always open if you want to chat further about our shared experience. x

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:48

VividPinkTraybake · 19/04/2026 23:03

You can get it without prescription

Yes - he did.

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 23:52

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.

Oh gosh hon. I'm SO sorry. This one seems even closer to the bone (no pun intended).

The wallet thing is weird and the rip is suss.

Again, please DM me if you need to discuss/compare notes.

I've just spoken to my husband and will update separately.

Sending you huge hugs.

x

OP posts:
jacks11 · 20/04/2026 00:05

@TellmeImwrongnow
tadalafil can be safely used by men with hypertension and other heart conditions, obviously depends on the condition(s) and other medication (it can be used alongside a number of antihypertensive medications safely too). Tadalafil can be taken every day routinely or “as required”. I would be concerned if he not had it prescribed for him, as no assessment regarding contra-indications will have been done. However, is it possible that he has been to an online prescribing pharmacy or doctor? It’s not uncommon that men don’t want to admit to ED to their GP, so use online or private services.

i can imagine a number of scenarios thst are innocent- e.g. he’s embarrassed to say re ED and so has not said anything. Maybe he’s worried you’ll feel it’s a reflection on your attractiveness if he can’t get or maintain an erection, and this might further dent your already very low sex drive and so has tried to hide it (he might not need it all the time). He could use it to masturbate. Some men experience ED once, feel so embarrassed or upset that they worry and it becomes a self-defeating circle- in such cases, sometimes knowing it is there “just in case” gives them reassurance that they could have it if they need it and this helps.

If he’s only used 8-10 tablets over a several year period (if I’m right re timeline from being bought to now), it would seem less likely to be the case that he’s been running off to have sex with someone else every opportunity he gets.

I think you have to ask him about the pills. Just explain how you found them and ask him about why he has them. I’d guess after 20 years, you know him well enough to gauge a reaction- but I’d try not to be too accusatory from the off, if I were you. If there is an innocent explanation I think he deserves an opportunity to give it without being accused of all sorts of things ranging from an affair to use of prostitutes (not saying you’ve suggested the latter- but can you imagine how hurtful it would be if the issue is genuinely ED and you accuse him of not only infidelity but use of prostitutes? I’m not sure that’d be something easily forgiven, tbh). Sure. You can give him a hard time if he has been up to no good- but without more to go on than this I would not go in all guns blazing.

Similarly, I would not be keen to go snooping and invading his privacy as my first action. If you trust him so little that this is your first step -and feel you can’t tell if he’s lying to your face- then your relationship is in real trouble to break down of trust and poor communication.

Ad I said, I think you calmly talk to him- state what you found and that you found it when tidying, which has got you worried about both how safe it is for him to use, but also wondering why he feels the need to have them.

TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 00:12

UPDATE:

So tonight we FaceTimed.

General chitchat about the journey, kids, dinner, workmates, etc

Then I took a deep breath and told him about my tidying up - that I'd found 5 mozzie repellents and 7 teen deodorants and ...then in his cupboard...

A hair dye kit and 6 boxes of sex drugs...

Then I paused.

He said he'd bought them for us. He's never had a problem with getting it up but sometimes worried about sustaining it so had got it for that.

Not for anyone else but for me.

He'd taken them on evenings where we'd been getting 'a bit frisky' (we are still very affectionate) even if it didn't go anywhere in the end.

He hadn't mentioned it to me because he wasn't proud of it.

I said my mind goes to dark places (which he knows) and I'd imagined him dyeing his hair to go on sex apps or to sex clubs and shagging younger girls and he just laughed and shook his head.

He said why would he go for a burger when he had steak at home? I said this steak was a bit overdone and he said 'still tasty!'.

I did say "So there's no other woman in your room?! Let's see!" and he happily panned his phone round his hotel room, focusing on his boring spreadsheets on his laptop.

As for the dye, he'd bought a kit when he was pissed one night, off a Facebook ad, because he'd toyed with going darker, tried it on his beard, it looked weird and he washed it off straight away before it took. It's sat there ever since.

He took it really well. No defensiveness about going through his stuff. He knew I was just being my usual 'Monica' self (super organised!), not snooping.

He was sorry I'd sat feeling sad and worried for so long.

Said he was happy to move the pills to our bedroom and happy for me to keep an eye on quantities.

So the lesson I guess is - if you're worried, please just talk to your partner as soon as you can.

Thank you everyone for your time today.

I'm a bit ashamed I doubted him, so I may delete the whole thread if I can.

Have a good night xxx

OP posts:
TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 00:16

jacks11 · 20/04/2026 00:05

@TellmeImwrongnow
tadalafil can be safely used by men with hypertension and other heart conditions, obviously depends on the condition(s) and other medication (it can be used alongside a number of antihypertensive medications safely too). Tadalafil can be taken every day routinely or “as required”. I would be concerned if he not had it prescribed for him, as no assessment regarding contra-indications will have been done. However, is it possible that he has been to an online prescribing pharmacy or doctor? It’s not uncommon that men don’t want to admit to ED to their GP, so use online or private services.

i can imagine a number of scenarios thst are innocent- e.g. he’s embarrassed to say re ED and so has not said anything. Maybe he’s worried you’ll feel it’s a reflection on your attractiveness if he can’t get or maintain an erection, and this might further dent your already very low sex drive and so has tried to hide it (he might not need it all the time). He could use it to masturbate. Some men experience ED once, feel so embarrassed or upset that they worry and it becomes a self-defeating circle- in such cases, sometimes knowing it is there “just in case” gives them reassurance that they could have it if they need it and this helps.

If he’s only used 8-10 tablets over a several year period (if I’m right re timeline from being bought to now), it would seem less likely to be the case that he’s been running off to have sex with someone else every opportunity he gets.

I think you have to ask him about the pills. Just explain how you found them and ask him about why he has them. I’d guess after 20 years, you know him well enough to gauge a reaction- but I’d try not to be too accusatory from the off, if I were you. If there is an innocent explanation I think he deserves an opportunity to give it without being accused of all sorts of things ranging from an affair to use of prostitutes (not saying you’ve suggested the latter- but can you imagine how hurtful it would be if the issue is genuinely ED and you accuse him of not only infidelity but use of prostitutes? I’m not sure that’d be something easily forgiven, tbh). Sure. You can give him a hard time if he has been up to no good- but without more to go on than this I would not go in all guns blazing.

Similarly, I would not be keen to go snooping and invading his privacy as my first action. If you trust him so little that this is your first step -and feel you can’t tell if he’s lying to your face- then your relationship is in real trouble to break down of trust and poor communication.

Ad I said, I think you calmly talk to him- state what you found and that you found it when tidying, which has got you worried about both how safe it is for him to use, but also wondering why he feels the need to have them.

Thank you this is what I did - update above.

Thank you for your really considered response x

OP posts: