Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be worried about sex drugs I found

227 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:
Jane143 · 20/04/2026 07:33

OriginalSkang · 20/04/2026 06:47

There is no way he's telling the truth. You sounds extremely naive

I disagree. I think he is telling the truth

Jane143 · 20/04/2026 07:36

My husband is on diabetic medication, blood pressure and cholesterol. GP prescribed them with no problems. Even the leaflet does not show concern to heart health

10namechangeslater · 20/04/2026 07:55

springhyacinths · 20/04/2026 00:22

Reading your earlier posts, first thought: prostitutes, on the boys' weekends.

You say no-one would be interested in this group of middleaged men - prostitutes.

Even after your update, where he sounds like a kind man who would not want to hurt your feelings and clearly cares about you very much - prostitutes.

Yeah I agree. I think he’s just lying to you. If he bought them to use with you, you would already know about them.

jaynelou5 · 20/04/2026 08:11

ForCosyLion · 20/04/2026 07:20

I trust him too, OP. He sounds really nice and normal. Most regular men do not use sex workers. Most people can't stomach the thought of rubbing their bits against bits that have themselves been rubbed against hundreds and hundreds of other bits. It's the fast livers and Dirty Harrys or else super-wealthy of the world who are up for all that. Regular folk would rather die alone than do it with someone who wouldn't touch you with a bargepole if they weren't being paid. I really, really think it takes a certain type of person to use sex workers, and your husband sounds far too normal for that.

I'm so glad you talked and that there's a simple explanation.

You are extremely niave if you really believe that.

Boomer55 · 20/04/2026 08:19

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 20:44

Thank you for actually reading the post. That's one concern and a big one, yes. x

I would assume masturbation if you’ve had no concerns until now. Not everyone cheats.

I would talk to him about using unregulated drugs though - especially if he has health issues.

The hair dye is irrelevant - men and women dye/tint their hair, and they’re not all cheating.

Lennonjingles · 20/04/2026 08:25

OP, glad you’ve spoken to DH and it’s sorted, but please take on the advice on him taking them whilst on medication. DH has some ED problems, but after a heart attack and a triple heart bypass, I wouldn’t want to risk his health. Please leave this thread for others maybe going through something similar.

NovaF · 20/04/2026 08:34

Do you think he could have used the drugs on you? You say you have had sex 10 times in 3 years and there are 10 tablets missing. Could he have popped them in a drink? When you google the drug what does it tell you?

Upearlyaseva · 20/04/2026 08:38

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Jackiepumpkinhead · 20/04/2026 08:39

There are some incredibly naive women on this thread.

OP, I really hope your partner is telling the truth. When you confronted him, if he had been up to no good, he’s not likely to tell you. Plus, he also wouldn’t have a woman in his hotel room and risk calling you, unless he’s an absolute monster.

Melonmango70 · 20/04/2026 08:58

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?

Tadalafil is used to treat Pulmonary Hypertension, which is not at all the same as Hypertension. I take Tadalafil for this reason.

InterestedDad37 · 20/04/2026 09:03

OP's situation is resolved, but just for info, some prefer to buy 'sex drugs' (Viagra, Cialis, un-branded equivalents) over the internet for reasons of anonymity, shyness, embarrassment etc. Either way, you usually have to 'self-certify', and pharmacists can/do refuse to sell them to you. Certain companies (Hims, Numan) are quite well known and advertise widely.
As others have noted, with certain heart-related medication, they are unsafe (nitrate-based medicines).
As a side point, most ED advertising features not men, but smiling, satisfied women who appear to be 'in the know' about something 😉

Alwaysthesameoldstory · 20/04/2026 09:06

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.

I find it incomprehensible that so called friends would even think it would be OK for your DH to look for sex elsewhere let alone actually SAY this to you. People never cease to amaze me.

I'm so sorry you have gone through all these health issues and that life is being kinder to you now.

hotdoggies · 20/04/2026 09:10

I love how he makes it sound like he's done it all for you OP - but that doesn't really add up does it, when you said you didn't want him to take it?

I remember when i took something similar to this at face value and believed it, because I trusted him. After 20 years together I really thought I could, but it seems even the last people you'd ever imagine lying can be the best liars in the world when they really need to be. I really hope you're right OP but this wouldn't be enough to convince me any more - not when the number of tablets used seems to add up so nicely with the number of times he's been away.

Please just be aware and keep your eyes open OP.

KitsyWitsy · 20/04/2026 09:15

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 19:27

That first paragraph is highly plausible. I said no because of his health conditions, so he's clearly decided to not care about with that.

As for the 2nd para, well, there's a scenario I hadn't considered. And it's not a ridiculous one, but I'm struggling to match that with the man I thought I knew. I think that would seriously give him the ick.

I'm not sure I'd be able to keep schtum till he next goes away. But actually he's on a boys' weekend next weekend so maybe I can. That does feel like actual snooping though. But it's not a dumb idea.

But it's going to be obvious I've been in his cupboard as it was a tip before and now it's really tidy! So he'll probably question me before I question him if I say nothing!

You've put a whole new spin on things. Thank you.

Edited

You said no? Maybe (obviously) he doesn't agree. My DP is on tons of meds too for blood pressure and all sorts but he is still able to take viagra/cialis etc. He is under a doctor though. Your DP will care about his health but also his sex life!

Beachtastic · 20/04/2026 09:22

I'm really pleased you've talked to him and been reassured, OP. Don't feel ashamed of starting the thread, but yes you might want to step back from it now as PPs will be projecting all sorts of things onto your situation without knowing him. So you might pick up more insecurities from the needling comments!

You know your DH, and would have picked up on the slightest flicker of a shifty response. It's great that you cherish each other. 💝

Cyclebabble · 20/04/2026 09:24

Hi OP. Does your DH use callis? At various times, DH has had a little trouble getting things up downstairs. he found this embarrassing and did not immediately discuss it with me, but did sort out a prescription online. Ciallis works for a long period, I think 24 hours or more, so you might not be aware he is using it. It is possible he has noticed some fall off in performance, is embarrassed and has simply using the ciallis to ensure he can still perform. If so perhaps approach a bit sensitively.

katepilar · 20/04/2026 09:30

If I was worried about the drug effect and taking it with heart medication, I would first read the leaflet or looked it up online. That would be one worry less for your spinning head. Hope you are feeling better.

Laurmolonlabe · 20/04/2026 09:31

There are a few issues here- the use of Viagra suggests he is having sex elsewhere , but he may have been using it with you, so best to discuss.
The Viagra is not prescribed and he is on heart medicated- this is potentially very dangerous indeed, and needs discussion.
The hair dye suggests he is sensitive about his age, and very secretive, so also needs discussion.
I would be concerned , but don't panic until you have talked all this through.

BridgetJonesV2 · 20/04/2026 09:50

I'm glad you talked it out OP and there's nothing sinister going on.

DH and I have an open agreement that if he takes ANY form of medication/supplement on top of his heart medication (after the prescribed Viagra disaster that landed him in A & E with blood pressure in his boots and breathing difficulties) he tells me or leaves the box out so if he does have any form of reaction, I can inform medics.

That works for us.

EvolvingDoor · 20/04/2026 09:55

The thing about tadalafil is that it designed, unlike Viagra, to take on the off chance that you may have sex some time in the next couple of days (it lasts for 36 hours) rather than on the definite plan of having sex immediately. So it's perfectly possible he bought it to have around and took some each time he felt things might be looking that way, even if they didn't pan out that way. The challenges you mention regarding your cancer and emotional struggles will have affected him as well, and he may have been worried that when sex did eventually happen, he wouldn't be up to it.

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but my first thought on reading your OP was "if he'd bought them to play away, why would he be stupid enough to keep them in a cupboard in the bathroom easily accessible to everyone else?"

Holidaymodeon · 20/04/2026 09:59

10namechangeslater · 20/04/2026 07:55

Yeah I agree. I think he’s just lying to you. If he bought them to use with you, you would already know about them.

I have experience of men on these drugs, if you have been with him for years, you would definitely notice a difference when he’s taken them

Newyearawaits · 20/04/2026 10:03

Delphiniumandlupins · 20/04/2026 10:12

Did you tell him how worried you are about him taking these pills alongside his prescribed medications? If he plans to continue he needs to speak to his GP.

lessglittermoremud · 20/04/2026 10:49

Im glad you were brave enough to ask him and his explanation sounds reasonable.
Without trust there is no relationship, after finding the pills and asking about them (which anyone would) you either accept the explanation or not.
You know your DH best, there will be others on here that say it’s a lie but they haven’t spent 20 years with him.
He sounds like a good egg and you are a total warrior!
If you do come back to this thread, wishing you all the luck 🍀

Paganpentacle · 20/04/2026 11:16

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 18:57

Viagra is actually called Viagra! It's a brand name. This is a different drug. Bought in the post. He's never had any issues there. And he's a silver fox with a full head of hair! As for my cosmetic enhancements - he knows - I dye my hair. Nothing else. He has plenty of privacy thank you - I already said, I don't check his digital devices. He goes away with work. I've never questioned anything before. The find was accidental. I wasn't snooping, I was tidying. And you forgot the bit about being gentle.

Sildenafil is the actual drug thats in Viagra....