Most men will agree that taking Viagra can be therapeutic for their erectile dysfunction. But the fact remains that prescriptions for the popular erectile dysfunction drug are going up. What is behind this trend? Is it because people are realizing the benefits of the drug or because they are feeling more confident about asking for help? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Are Prescriptions for Viagra Increasing?
Perhaps the most obvious fact about Viagra is that it is a prescription drug. As a result, it can be rather costly. In addition, many insurance companies will not cover the cost of Viagra or its derivatives. This can be a major blow to anyone who needs or wants to take the drug but can’t afford it. In fact, it would be fair to say that erectile dysfunction is one of the major health issues of today’s generation.
But why are prescriptions for Viagra increasing? First, let’s consider the overall economic picture. Since the Great Recession of 2008, prescription drug costs have increased by an average of 6.8% annually. As a result, the average cost of a prescription drug rose from $37.26 in 2007 to $42.36 in 2015. This is obviously a lot of money for young people, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet. Second, let’s look at the numbers concerning Viagra specifically. According to IMS Health, the number of prescriptions for Viagra more than doubled between 2007 and 2015 from 276.8 million to 613.3 million annually. This is likely due to increased awareness of the drug and the fact that more people are experiencing erectile dysfunction than ever before. In 2015, the estimated economic cost of erectile dysfunction in the U.S. was $290 billion. So, clearly, Viagra and similar erectile dysfunction drugs are having a dramatic economic impact.
The Cost of Living Increasing
It is also important to consider the fact that the cost of living is steadily increasing. In fact, according to Trulia, the price of foodstuffs, transportation, and housing are the three biggest factors driving the overall cost of living in America. So, it should come as no great surprise that people are trying to save as much money as possible while also trying to take care of their health. As a result, many are turning to online pharmacies to obtain the medications they need. Since the cost of living is so high and since many medical insurance companies don’t cover the cost of prescription drugs, the use of internet pharmacies to purchase medication has become very popular. According to IMS Health, the number of prescriptions picked up online more than tripled from 2007 to 2015.
The Growing Popularity Of Buying Medications Online Is Taking A Wealth Tax Hit
It’s important to point out that the growing popularity of purchasing medications online is taking a major wealth tax hit. In a 2016 paper published in the American Journal of Medicine, researchers looked at the cost of prescriptions filled by adults and children in 2014 and compared it to that of 2007. What they found was that while drug costs rose by an average of 6.8% annually between 2007 and 2014, the average net worth of families dropped by 11.3%. This is largely because of the increased cost of insurance due to the Affordable Care Act. With insurance becoming more expensive, people are trying to find ways to lower their costs. One option is to purchase medication online. Not only can you save money by taking the internet drug, but you also don’t have to worry about incurring additional medical bills or having to pay out of pocket. This is also where things get scary. People are realizing the benefits of the drug and are actively seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction. This makes them much more vulnerable to scams artists and criminals posing as physicians or pharmaceutical companies.
The Scam Artists Are Noticeable
It is also important to point out that there are many scam artists out there who are trying to take advantage of the growing trend towards online pharmacies. As a result, it is important to be conscious of whether or not you are speaking with a real doctor or a scammed artist. The best way to verify the authenticity of a physician is to contact the American Medical Association (AMA) directly. The AMA will be able to provide you with a list of legitimate physicians in your area. If you contact the AMA and tell them you contacted them through a website or some other online platform, they will tell you to contact the website or platform to verify the identity of the physician. So, in the end, you can rest assured that you are speaking with a real doctor and that the medication they are prescribing you is legitimate.
Is The Trend Towards More People Seeking Help For Erectile Dysfunction Worth It?
The fact is that the trend towards more people seeking help for erectile dysfunction is certainly worth it. Even if you consider only the economic and health benefits, it would still be a smart move to seek treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is also crucial to keep in mind that the sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be to achieve a full recovery. This is why it is best to consult with a physician as soon as possible, even if you think you may be able to fix your issue yourself. Sometimes, people with erectile dysfunction don’t even know they have the condition until it is too late. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help. If you want to find out more, visit this helpful website or contact the National Institute of Health directly.