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Venom And Poison
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Spider venom causes boners that last for days

it's not what you think, this specific venom has surprising effects on men's health

By Smartasaurus· 1 min read Curious

There is a spider in South America that doesn't build webs

Field test

Before the evidence lands — where do you already stand on this one?

Most people guess wrong here. Curious what you do.

The short version
  • it's not what you think, this specific venom has surprising effects on men's health
  • Researchers are currently synthesizing the venom to create a fast-acting erectile dysfunction medication.
  • It is widely considered the world's most venomous spider because it lacks fear.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, or Phoneutria, carries a toxin called PnTx2-6. While the bite causes intense pain, cold sweats, and heart palpitations, it frequently results in a condition called priapism.

This isn't a side effect of arousal. The toxin forces an influx of nitric oxide into the bloodstream, which increases blood flow to the extremities far beyond the body's normal capacity.

Untreated, this four-hour event can lead to permanent tissue damage, making the spider's victim incapable of ever having an erection again. It is a biological overload that the body was never meant to handle.

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Spider silk beats steel, but we're stumped
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