Viagra. The pill that changed everything. The little blue pill that elevated countless male self-esteem and allowed them to live life to the fullest. It was first approved by the FDA in 1998 and since then, its sales have skyrocketed, recently hitting nearly $12 billion USD in sales alone in 2018.
But is the pill that made Mardi Gras in New Orleans possible really as effective as they claim? Does it offer the incredible benefits that its makers Broodjieff and Pfizer would have you believe?
To find out, we chatted with Dr. Edward Taub, a urologist and medical director at Chicago Urology. He told us about the history of Viagra, how it works, and whether or not you should be taking it.
The Rise In Popularity
Like many other medications, Viagra gained popularity quickly and exponentially once it hit the market. Its sales increased from 400,000 units in 1997 to nearly 14 million units in 2005. (In 2018, that figure rose to 16.8 million.) Today, it’s one of the best-selling drugs in the world. But is its incredible popularity warranted? Does it really offer the world-changing benefits that its makers claim?
It’s important to keep in mind that Viagra wasn’t the first drug to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, it was actually a relative newcomer to the ED drug market. That distinction belongs to sildenafil (also known as revatio), which was approved by the FDA in 1994. (It was originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure.)
What’s more is that sildenafil is a cheaper and, in some cases, more effective alternative to Viagra. (It usually is, but that depends on the situation.) So if your insurance covers it, you may want to consider taking sildenafil instead of Viagra—especially if you’re looking for long-term solutions to your erectile dysfunction problems. (You may also want to read our in-depth review of the best ED drugs, which contains tips on how to choose the right treatment for you.)
How Viagra Works
So how does Viagra work? Let’s start at the molecular level. (Anyone who’s taken a biochemistry course in college should feel right at home here.)
Simply put, Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. (PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down a chemical messenger called cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP.) Sildenafil and tadalafil are both PDE5 inhibitors. (There are also drugs that treat cardiovascular disease and/or reduce blood pressure that increase the level of cGMP in the body. These types of drugs are called nitric oxide donor medicines.)
When a man takes Viagra, it allows more cGMP to be produced. (Think of a chemical reaction where a small amount of something creates a large amount of the same thing.) In other words, when a man takes Viagra, his erectile dysfunction problem is resolved because there’s more nitric oxide floating around in his blood. Some men have even described the effect as being like a superpower.
The result is a stronger erection that typically lasts a little longer. In turn, this can lead to greater pleasure for both partners in the bedroom. Many men are unable to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. So for them, Viagra can be a game changer, allowing for more physically satisfying experiences between couples.
And while Viagra can help men get an erection, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t give them a boost once the deed is done. (The pill is not designed to treat post-coital problems. However, you can help your body remove excess fluids from your penis for up to 24 hours after your last wank, thanks to some suitable after-effects of ejaculation.) (You can prevent many sexually transmitted infections by taking precautions during and after sex. For example, you can use a condom or engage in oral sex without the risk of infection.)
Should You Try Viagra?
Viagra can be a godsend for men with erectile dysfunction. However, does that mean that everyone with ED should try it?
Not necessarily. We need to remember that not all men with erectile dysfunction will respond well to Viagra, and vice versa. The same way you might not want to try a drug that treats depression if you’re already taking a prescribed medication for your anxiety, you may want to skip on the blue pill if you have a history of heart disease. (The same goes for those who are allergic to sulfites or have active liver disease.)
And while some men may experience immediate relief from taking Viagra, it doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone. (Like with most drugs, there are various side effects associated with Viagra, which you need to be aware of before you start taking it.) These include headaches, flushing, heartburn, and upset stomach. (Some people have also reported having seizures and an increase in blood pressure while on the drug.)
Some men with erectile dysfunction may also experience reduced benefit if they take NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) which help block the action of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. (These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.) If you or your partner takes these drugs regularly, you may need to switch to another ED treatment. (Tadalafil is an example of an ED treatment that doesn’t interact with NSAIDs.)
Another thing to keep in mind is that Viagra is a prescribed drug, and as such, comes with a warning label. That means that, in addition to the potential side effects that you need to be aware of, there are also precautions and/or restrictions that you need to follow. (The most common are detailed on the label, but it’s also worth remembering that alcohol, caffeine, and hot beverages should be avoided while on the drug. Also, be sure to check with your physician before you start taking it if you’re already taking another medication.)
While many men may experience great relief from taking ED medication, it’s also important to remember that there are many different causes of erectile dysfunction, and not all treatments are created equal. (There also tends to be a lot of variability when it comes to men and their responses to different medications and therapies.) That being said, if you’re looking for a drug to help you get hard, you can’t go wrong with Viagra. Or, if you’re looking for a natural remedy that doesn’t have the side effects of many other supplements, you could try horny goat weed. (Not tested for effectiveness, but it has been known to help some men achieve harder erections and longer-lasting ones. You may also want to read our article on the best ED treatment for more information on the potential benefits and harms of different medications.)