The invention of the very first commercial drug, Viagra, 70 years ago this month, changed the face of medicine and sexual health as we know it. Though the medication may be more than 90 years old, it has only become more popular and relevant than ever.
Viagra was first synthesized and tested for safety in the 1940s. Back then, sexual issues were not something that would occupy a niche in the medical community. They were considered a private matter, something that would be addressed through mental and emotional stimulation.
Then, in February of 1954, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medication for clinical use. Two months later, the first prescription was filled. Since then, Viagra has become one of the most popular and trusted medications in the world. In 2017, global revenue was valued at around $18 billion.
The medication is so highly effective that it continues to prove popular even with men who are already having satisfactory libido. In fact, in a poll conducted by the American Association of Advertising Agencies, 67% of men said they would consider themselves “sexually unsatisfied” if they couldn’t get at least a 50/50 chance of conceiving with their wife. Despite that, many men are still struggling to discover the fountain of youth, and Viagra is here to help.
The Rise in Popularity
There are a number of reasons why Viagra has risen to popularity as it has. First, the world has changed around it. During World War II, people were solely focused on surviving and putting the war behind them. There was a relative lack of curiosity about what came after, which is why many men didn’t ask about Viagra or other related medications when they were being treated for venereal diseases during that time.
Once the war ended and the world started to rebuild, people began to feel a greater sense of urgency about living life to the fullest. Many men were still dealing with the physical trauma of combat, along with post-traumatic stress disorder and other related illnesses. This, in turn, led to an increase in the diagnoses of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Though the introduction of Viagra marked a turning point in the acceptance of sexual health, it wasn’t the first medication designed to help men with their sexual issues. Before the invention of the blue pill, there were already a number of successful medications developed to help men with their erection problems. However, none of these medications were as effective or as popular as Viagra and, in many cases, were simply ineffective. When Viagra came along, it solved a lot of sexual problems for men, which is why it continues to be so popular even today.
Helping Men Confront Their Problems
The inventors of Viagra, working for the pharmaceutical house Pfizer, were trying to come up with a medication that would help men with their erectile dysfunction. They wanted to create a drug that would be both safe and effective, and they were looking for a way to test whether or not their product was helping patients. The answer came in the form of a clinical trial, one of the first of its kind.
Though the blue pill still has some drawbacks and is not for everyone, it has definitely revolutionized the way that men are able to deal with their sexual issues. It allows men to confront their problems without shame, helping to destigmatize the issue and open up a dialogue about various situations that could arise.
Saving Money And Being More Effective
Another important factor contributing to the rising popularity of Viagra is how much it has lowered the cost of treating erectile dysfunction. In the past, expensive and invasive treatment methods were required to treat this issue. Due to the introduction of Viagra, more and more men are seeking less invasive solutions. To that end, a number of clinics have popped up, offering free medication reviews and testing, along with providing educational materials about safer sex practices. As a result, more and more men are discovering the benefits of the blue pill, and it’s saving them money and helping them to have a better relationship with their partner.
Giving Men A “Normal” Sex Life
Additionally, many men have found that taking Viagra enables them to have healthier and more fulfilling sex lives. For example, men with diabetes who are taking the medication report better control of their blood sugar levels, which enables them to live a more active lifestyle. This, in turn, benefits their sexual performance and satisfaction.
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue among men, especially as they get older, so it is no surprise that the medication has become such a popular choice. However, in many cases, it is the range of options that have made the difference. Before the invention of Viagra, many men were only able to be sexually active with their partner. Due to the stigma surrounding these issues, men would often avoid discussing their problems with their partner. The arrival of Viagra meant that they could finally start to openly discuss their concerns with the person they cared about most.
For men who want to try it, there are a number of different choices when it comes to the blue pill. Though most doctors will agree that Viagra is the most popular choice among patients, it is important to understand the differences in efficacy and side effects between medications. Moreover, it is essential to read the leaflet that comes with the medication, as this will reveal everything you need to know about the side effects and how the medication will affect you.