Viagra Can Lead to Divorce, Experts Say

 Posted on July 17, 2025 in Divorce

For more than two decades, Viagra and similar erectile dysfunction (ED) medications have been helping men regain confidence in their intimate lives. For many couples, these drugs are tools that bring physical connection and emotional closeness back into the marriage. However, for others, ED medications have been linked to unexpected marital tensions and, in some cases, divorce.

If a wife finds her husband’s Viagra prescription unexpectedly or senses a shift in intimacy that raises trust issues, it can lead to questions about infidelity, communication, and whether the marriage is on steady ground. For Illinois couples struggling with these concerns, it is important to understand both the emotional and legal implications of ED medications and how they intersect with divorce law when they cause serious issues in a relationship.

If you are considering divorce, talk with our Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys. We offer a judgement-free environment for comfortable consultations and open conversations.

Why Viagra for Men Can Strain a Marriage

Viagra for men was developed as a breakthrough treatment for erectile dysfunction, a condition affecting millions of men, particularly those over age 40. But while the medication can restore physical intimacy, it can also bring to the surface unresolved marital issues or create new challenges.

One common issue arises when a husband begins taking ED medication without discussing it with his spouse. If a wife finds her husband’s Viagra prescription unexpectedly, she may feel blindsided or suspect that her partner is seeking intimacy outside the marriage. Even when there is no infidelity, the secrecy can damage trust and make it harder for the couple to reconnect emotionally.

Can My Wife Divorce Me If She Finds Viagra?

In Illinois, the simple act of a wife finding a husband’s Viagra prescription is not, on its own, grounds for divorce. However, the discovery can create suspicion, trigger arguments, and bring latent relationship issues to the surface. If the husband’s use of Viagra is tied to infidelity, the situation becomes more complicated, both emotionally and legally.

Many spouses therefore ask, "Can my wife divorce me if she finds Viagra?" The answer depends on the context. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, which means a spouse does not need to prove misconduct like infidelity to file for divorce. Instead, the only requirement is showing "irreconcilable differences" that have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Even so, if Viagra use is connected to extramarital affairs, it could influence other aspects of the divorce process, such as spousal support or the division of marital property.

Is Cheating Grounds for Divorce in Illinois?

Illinois eliminated fault-based divorce in 2016, meaning that adultery is no longer listed as an official ground for divorce. However, this does not mean cheating is irrelevant. While infidelity in marriage will not change the court’s decision to grant a divorce, it could indirectly affect certain outcomes.

For example, if marital assets were used to support an affair, such as paying for hotel rooms, gifts, or travel, the court may consider that "dissipation of marital assets" and award the other spouse a larger share of the property to compensate. If seeking medication for ED is tied to risk-taking behaviors that would endanger a couple’s young children, such as regularly having frequent, unknown partners or late-night parties around the children, these other behaviors may be concerning enough to affect child custody.

Furthermore, infidelity often raises the emotional stakes of a divorce significantly. When one partner feels betrayed, he or she is more likely to fight hard rather than compromise. So, while cheating is not grounds for divorce in Illinois, it can still factor into the financial and emotional dynamics of a case. If you are facing a high-conflict divorce, make sure you have an attorney who understands these complex situations and dynamics.

The Impact of Erectile Dysfunction on Divorce

Erectile dysfunction can affect a marriage in many ways, both before and after treatment. For some couples, ED causes feelings of frustration, embarrassment, or rejection that weaken emotional bonds over time. If left unaddressed, these feelings can build into resentment and create distance in the relationship.

For other couples, treating ED with medications like Viagra provides an opportunity to rebuild intimacy. But when partners fail to communicate openly about their needs and expectations, even this solution can create tension rather than closeness.

In marriages that are already struggling, the introduction of ED medications sometimes leads to an increase in conflict, particularly if one partner is less interested in resuming sexual activity. In more extreme cases, some men experience a boost in confidence after using Viagra and begin seeking sexual encounters outside the marriage.

Strengthening a Marriage After ED Treatment

It is important to note that Viagra and similar drugs are not inherently harmful to relationships. In many cases, they are useful tools for men who struggle with intimacy and want to restore their connection with their spouse.

Experts recommend that couples address ED as a team. Attending medical appointments together, discussing expectations, and working with a therapist if needed can help partners navigate the emotional complexities of ED and its treatment.

A husband who shares openly about his use of Viagra can create an opportunity for renewal in the relationship. Conversely, secrecy about ED medications can erode trust, even when there is no intent to harm.

Protecting Your Rights if Divorce Becomes Inevitable

If efforts to repair the marriage are unsuccessful and divorce becomes necessary, understanding Illinois law is crucial. Divorce involves more than emotional separation. It requires decisions about property, support, and, for parents, child-related matters.

Illinois courts follow the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Judges also consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and any dissipation of marital assets.

In cases involving infidelity, an attorney can help determine whether marital funds were used inappropriately and seek adjustments to the property division to account for those losses.

Contact a High-Conflict DuPage County, IL Divorce Attorney

Whether your marriage is struggling due to intimacy issues, communication breakdowns, or infidelity, it is important to understand your rights and options. Call a Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer at Goostree Law Group today. Our team will provide the guidance you need to navigate this challenging time and protect your future. Contact us at 630-584-4800 to schedule a consultation.