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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:
10namechangeslater · 20/04/2026 11:21

Holidaymodeon · 20/04/2026 09:59

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

Same. You know when they’ve taken them.

Skyflier · 20/04/2026 11:21

I am glad you got things sorted out OP and it sounds as if you have a good solid marriage.

hoardingwealth · 20/04/2026 11:24

Tadalafil is a common drug. My DH used to take them every day. It's so you can have sex spontaneously, unlike Viagra where you would have to know when you were going to have sex and take them 30 mins prior. My DH used to get them from Numan. He actually stopped due to the expense, and now takes something herbal instead.

Lifeonapigfarm · 20/04/2026 11:32

Your update looks like it's written by AI.

I find that a bit odd but I guess people use Ai for lots of things..

Upearlyaseva · 20/04/2026 11:34

This reply has been deleted

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

LeaderBee · 20/04/2026 11:36

Viagra was originally developed as a blood pressure drug. Is it possible that they've not been prescribed for this exact reason?

It can be used to treat Pulmonary hypertension

springhyacinths · 20/04/2026 11:49

LeaderBee · 20/04/2026 11:36

Viagra was originally developed as a blood pressure drug. Is it possible that they've not been prescribed for this exact reason?

It can be used to treat Pulmonary hypertension

He's not using Viagra, he's apparently bought Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) over the internet. It lasts longer than Viagra - up to 36 hours. Wiki says:

"Although sildenafil [Viagra], vardenafil, and tadalafil all work by inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil's pharmacologic distinction is its longer half-life (17.5 hours), compared to sildenafil and vardenafil, which are both 4–5 hours. This translates to a longer duration of action, which is partly responsible for "The Weekend Pill" nickname. Furthermore, the longer half-life is the basis for tadalafil's daily therapeutic use in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension."

TheSunnySwan · 20/04/2026 11:59

Speak to your partner when he gets back and see what he says. And go from there

ChaliceinWonderland · 20/04/2026 12:05

Read this and thought..... Just say you found them and can he explain.

IWishIWasABaller · 20/04/2026 12:56

As others have said op you sound very naive to believe that explanation . I hope for your sake im wrong but you seem to be happy with it . I wish you the best

Restlessdreams1994 · 20/04/2026 12:57

This happened to me and it turned out my ex was cheating and using it for casual encounters via an app.

AnotherName2025 · 20/04/2026 12:57

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 18:09

Thank you - I hadn't even considered the self-pleasing aspect. He does tend to go to bed before me. It was in 'his' cupboard yes, but tucked right at the back behind so much clutter, he probably wouldn't think anyone would look anyway (certainly not the kids!).

Thank you for being so kind. I can't believe I can't speak to him about this till Wednesday. I might self-implode.

(((hug)))

I'm so sorry you've found these & for how worried it's (understandably) making you feel
and obvious all the horrible cancer stuff. I wish I was there to give you a big hug'

id be feeling the same as you!

I was going to say pretty much what @Arlanymor has written.

he honestly sounds like a lovely man & hopefully he's just 'trying' them fir self pleasure & taken some when he was hoping you were in the mood too.

it would be very very hard for me to wait until Wednesday night, but given the impact it could have on your marriage, I would.

how often is he away without you?

we're here for you 💕 but is there anyone IRL you could talk to & get a real hug?

AnotherName2025 · 20/04/2026 13:00

toomuchfaff · 19/04/2026 18:12

You’re not unreasonable for feeling shaken — anyone would be after finding that. But you are jumping straight to the worst-case scenario when there are other explanations that fit what you’ve described just as well, if not better.

From what you’ve said, your husband has been consistently present, affectionate and supportive through a really difficult few years. That matters, and it doesn’t line up neatly with someone living a double life.

Those tablets are very commonly used for performance anxiety, not just “can’t function at all.” Given how infrequent and pressured sex has become (understandably, with everything you’ve been through), it’s entirely plausible he’s been worried about “getting it right” when it does happen and didn’t want to add any more pressure on you by bringing it up. A lot of men would feel embarrassed admitting that, especially in a long marriage.

There’s also the less talked-about but realistic possibility he’s used them solo during a long dry spell. Not glamorous, but human.

None of that means you ignore it — but it does mean you shouldn’t go in assuming betrayal.

I wouldn’t wait until Wednesday. Sitting on this will just let your mind run away with you. Speak to him sooner, calmly, and stick to facts rather than accusations:
“I found these while cleaning and it’s unsettled me a bit — I didn’t know you were using them.”

Then let him explain.

His reaction will tell you far more than the tablets themselves.

Right now, this looks just as likely to be about awkwardness, pressure and lack of communication as it does anything else. Don’t turn it into something bigger without giving him the chance to explain.

I agree entirely except for not waiting until Wednesday. I think it's a conversation that needs to be had face to face.

but definitely agree with everything else

TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 13:07

This reply has been deleted

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

If it sounds like it was written by AI because there are no typos and the grammar is good it’s because I am educated.

I couldn’t be arsed to go upstairs as it was two flights, I had a sore knee and I was tired and snuggled under a blanket.

Also I really didn’t think it was relevant to the post unless you are a doctor which most of you aren’t. I got the name when I happened to go upstairs later.

Some mumsnetters are really mumsnutters.

🤣🤣🤣

OP posts:
AnotherName2025 · 20/04/2026 13:09

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 18:31

It's REALLY hard! I keep watching home-improvement/decluttering/makeover shows for a hobby so that's not going to help!

I do have a book to get on with. So maybe that!

Watch some Dana K White YouTube's on decluttering. She is brilliant & has a method that makes progress without mess. She's very watchable.

Hopefully this'll take you straight to
one, but if not just put her name into YouTube
(Don't forget the K or you'll get some body builder)

m.youtube.com/watch?v=EYa1UIp0-kA&pp=ygUMRGFuYSBrIHdoaXRl0gcJCdMKAYcqIYzv

Upearlyaseva · 20/04/2026 13:10

TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 13:07

If it sounds like it was written by AI because there are no typos and the grammar is good it’s because I am educated.

I couldn’t be arsed to go upstairs as it was two flights, I had a sore knee and I was tired and snuggled under a blanket.

Also I really didn’t think it was relevant to the post unless you are a doctor which most of you aren’t. I got the name when I happened to go upstairs later.

Some mumsnetters are really mumsnutters.

🤣🤣🤣

Edited

And once the name was given - you got lots of good comments regarding the specific meds!

Upearlyaseva · 20/04/2026 13:11

Restlessdreams1994 · 20/04/2026 12:57

This happened to me and it turned out my ex was cheating and using it for casual encounters via an app.

But was this a partner of 20 years who had hitherto given you zero cause for any concern @Restlessdreams1994 ?

TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 13:12

Upearlyaseva · 20/04/2026 13:10

And once the name was given - you got lots of good comments regarding the specific meds!

Yup. But to take a leap from that to me using AI is some leap!

OP posts:
AnotherName2025 · 20/04/2026 13:13

Betterbyfar · 19/04/2026 18:32

What’s your sex life like with him?

And I’m guessing you have existing trust issues re him?

She's already posted about how things are re their sex life & (no) trust issues.

What haven't you read all her posts?

Upearlyaseva · 20/04/2026 13:13

TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 13:12

Yup. But to take a leap from that to me using AI is some leap!

I didn’t make the leap

I was just responding to the poster that did… that it wasn’t out of the realms of possibility!

Beachtastic · 20/04/2026 13:22

TellmeImwrongnow · 20/04/2026 13:12

Yup. But to take a leap from that to me using AI is some leap!

Don't take it personally. MNers often say a post "must be AI" if it's well written! It seems some people doubt that a human being can express themselves clearly nowadays 😁

AnotherName2025 · 20/04/2026 13:43

@TellmeImwrongnow ((hug))

sorry I posted earlier, I hadn't clicked the date/time you posted your OP & I thought you'd only just pusted. Sorry,

I'm glad you've spoken to him & are happy with his response! 💕

did you discuss taking stuff not prescribed? & the risks that you HAD discussed?

CopeNorth · 20/04/2026 13:55

TellmeImwrongnow · 19/04/2026 20:49

I went and checked. Yes.

So it says that is also used to treat pulmonary hypertension https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil/
is that what he has when you say high blood pressure?

nhs.uk

Tadalafil: a medicine for erection problems, pulmonary hypertension and enlarged prostate

NHS information on tadalafil – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil

TheCobbleCreekMonster · 20/04/2026 13:57

Sorry if this has been asked and answered but can you tell when he actually bought these drugs accurately. Was there an invoice ? Is it worth looking at his vis acard payments or something like that?

What is the use by date on them and do you know how long the shelf life is on this specific drug/manufacturer? @TellmeImwrongnow

He might have taken ten of them in the hope they will work (with you) but his beta blockers/ACE inhibiters whatever, are contra them and nothing has happened. I wouldn't jump to adultery although it is a possibility I suppose.

Is it worth having a look at his phone/computer whatever. I know a lot of people hate this advice but I would do anything to find out what's happening in my own life!

Isometimeswonder · 20/04/2026 14:12

@TellmeImwrongnow maybe I'm a big softie or naive or something but I loved your update and in my opinion he sounds like a good bloke.
I hope your cancer journey keeps on in a positive direction x