Sildenafil citrate has proven to be a hugely popular drug for treating erectile dysfunction. It works by promoting dilation or expansion of blood vessels. Guys know it as Viagra.

And soon, women may know it as a new treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, otherwise known as menstrual cramps.

According to a recent Penn State study, the drug appears to offer pain relief to at least some women who do not benefit from the standard remedy: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, which are associated with ulcers and kidney damage when used chronically.

In the study, sildenafil was delivered vaginally. Participants rated their menstrual pain over four consecutive hours. The drug eased pain in many of the patients with no reported side effects.

The researchers speculate it worked in the same way as Viagra — vessel dilation — but they aren't sure. More research is needed.

"If future studies confirm these findings, sildenafil may become a treatment option for patients with PD," said Richard Legro, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and public health sciences. "Since PD is a condition that most women suffer from and seek treatment for at some points in their lives, the quest for new medication is justified."

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

Hearing temporarily decreases when you overeat.

GET ME THAT. STAT!

According to a new Harvard School of Public Health report, people who eat healthy foods spend about $1.50 more on food each day — about $550 annually — than those who do not.

LIFE IN BIG MACS

One hour of riding a motorcycle or scooter burns 170 calories (based on a 150-pound person) or the equivalent of 0.2 Big Macs.

STORIES FOR THE WAITING ROOM

We all know (or should) that distracted driving is dangerous. No one should operate a moving vehicle while using his or her cellphone. A lot of us probably shouldn't simultaneously walk and talk either.

In 2004, reports Scientific American, an estimated 559 people, while conversing on the phone, whacked themselves hard enough walking into a telephone pole to require emergency room treatment.

In 2010, the number of walkers "who had to finish that last text in the ER" had grown to more than 1,500, according to a study published in Accident Analysis & Prevention. During the same time period, the total number of pedestrians who ended up in an ER actually decreased.

So warn your friends. Call them now. Just do it when you're both seated.

PHOBIA OF THE WEEK

Ranidaphobia — fear of frogs.

NEVER SAY DIET

The Major League Eating speed-eating record for pigs' feet and knuckles is 2.89 pounds in 10 minutes, held by Arturo Rios Jr. Warning: Most of these records are held by professional eaters; the rest by people who really should find something better to do.

OBSERVATION

"If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise." — Anonymous

CURTAIN CALLS

During the 564 B.C. Olympics of antiquity, the Greek Arrhichion, a practitioner of pankration, a combat sport blending boxing and wrestling with almost no rules, was locked in a seemingly inescapable stranglehold by his opponent. His trainer shouted, "What a fine funeral if you do not submit at Olympia!" Duly inspired, Arrhichion kicked his opponent with his right foot while throwing his body violently to the left. The kick caused his opponent so much pain that he made the sign of defeat to the umpires. Unfortunately, the series of moves also resulted in Arrhichion's neck being broken. Since the opponent had conceded defeat, Arrhichion was proclaimed victor posthumously.

To find out more about Scott LaFee and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.