This year marks the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the world’s first commercially available oral medication: Viagra. The drug was initially marketed as a cure for “impotence,” the inability to attain and maintain an erection. However, as time went on, it became apparent that Viagra has more to offer – including the ability to temporarily relieve the symptoms of herpes. Is there really a link between these two historic events? Let’s explore.
The History Of Viagra
The first documented use of Sildenafil (Viagra’s chemical name) dates back to 1936. At this time, it was prescribed to treat pulmonary hypertension, a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries becomes too high. In the 1960s, researchers observed that Viagra could actually improve blood circulation in the pulmonary system of dogs, leading some to suggest it as a potential treatment for human hypertension. Further studies demonstrated that Sildenafil could improve the condition in humans as well. In 1997, Viagra was approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Since then, the drug’s approval for this use and its subsequent re-approval has been continuous, and in 2014, the FDA granted Viagra a breakthrough therapy status, indicating that it may be useful for treating other conditions as well (including herpes).
The History Of Herpes
For many years, doctors believed that herpes was caused by a ‘cold virus’ or ‘fever virus.’ However, it was later discovered that the herpes simplex virus actually travels beneath the skin and remains there for the rest of the patient’s life, hiding in sensory nerves. The virus can reactivate at any time, causing outbreaks of sores and pain – which is why it’s important to be aware of your body’s “telltale signs” and know how to treat yourself if you experience them. Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It’s estimated that about 70% of the world’s population has been infected with the virus. Once you’re infected, you’re guaranteed to develop antibodies to it, which provide some protection against the disease. However, since there’s no cure for herpes, all you can do is try to manage it. Fortunately, thanks to modern-day research and development, there are now a number of medications available that can help. You’ll find a variety of treatments, ranging from simple topical creams to more invasive procedures, that may be required. For instance, some medications are more effective in suppressing the symptoms of the disease than others are. It’s also important to note here that while there’s no direct link between Viagra and herpes, patients who experience erectile dysfunction were found to have a significantly lower rate of herpes outbreaks than those who don’t experience ED.
The Connection
If you’re wondering whether or not there’s a connection between ED and herpes, the answer is yes. Although there’s no direct link between the two diseases, recent studies have shown that patients who experience ED have a significantly lower rate of herpes outbreaks than those who don’t. In one such study, researchers at the University of Manitoba followed more than 600 patients with herpes for 12 months and compared them to a similar group of patients who didn’t have the virus. The findings indicated that patients with ED had a 53% lower rate of herpes outbreaks compared to those who didn’t have the disease. Similar results were reported in a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. The researchers in this case followed more than 2,500 patients with herpes for 19 years and observed that those who took Viagra had a 25% reduction in the number of times they had an outbreak of herpes. While these studies didn’t prove a cause-and-effect relationship, they do offer strong evidence that there’s a link between the two. Since 1999, the FDA has approved the use of Viagra in the treatment of ED caused by herpes. In many cases, ED can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, which is why it’s so important to take note of any symptoms you might experience.
More Information
It’s important to keep in mind that this is simply a brief overview of the history of Viagra and herpes. There are many other important things to know about these two diseases, and it wouldn’t do justice to cover them all here. However, let’s take a quick look at how the two are linked via the internet.
Anyone can get herpes. It is spread through contact with an infected person’s sores or saliva. Once you’re infected with the virus, you’re guaranteed to develop antibodies to fight it off. However, it is still important to note that there’s no cure for this disease. The same goes for Viagra. It has been known to help patients with ED caused by herpes, but it doesn’t guarantee that your erections will become normal. It simply helps to relieve the symptoms of the infection.
If you’re interested in more information on the history of Viagra and herpes, you could start by reading the articles listed below. Alternatively, you could visit the websites of reputable health organizations such as the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to learn more.
Key Takeaways
Although it’s been a hundred years since the introduction of the world’s first oral medication to treat erectile dysfunction, the link between that drug and herpes is still very much alive. Specifically, patients who experience ED have a significantly lower rate of herpes outbreaks than those who don’t. Since 1999, the FDA has approved the use of Viagra in the treatment of ED caused by herpes. In many cases, ED can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, which is why it’s so important to take note of any symptoms you might experience.