It’s a well-established fact that men play a crucial role in the creation and proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Research studies have shown that men contribute to the spread of STDs through the exchange of bodily fluids. This fact has led pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs targeting males’ sexual organs in order to curb the spread of STDs.
While women are also responsible for the spread of STDs, their role is mostly confined to sexual intercourse. This means that men are the primary drivers behind the spread of STDs. In light of this, it’s no wonder that drugs like Viagra have been developed.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is an oral drug that was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 1997. It is the sildenafil citrate analogue, which is a substance derived from mushrooms. Sildenafil citrate is a substance that acts directly on the blood vessels of the body, allowing more blood to flow into the penis during sexual arousal. In other words, the chemical compound in Viagra allows for improved erectile function.
When taken correctly, the drug is highly effective in enhancing sexual enjoyment for both men and women. Indeed, Viagra has been proven to be more effective than many other similar drugs.
How Effective Is Viagra In Treating ED?
The safety and effectiveness of Viagra has been proven in more than 15,000 clinical trials. These trials have examined the effects of the drug in some form on more than 12 million males and females across the globe. The results of these trials have demonstrated that Viagra is an effective drug in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in cases where penile erection is a problem. Furthermore, the drug has been shown to have a positive effect on other sexual functions as well, including arousal and orgasm in females as well as increased libido in males.
These effects make it a popular choice among patients with erectile dysfunction and sexual problems, particularly older people who may experience a gradual decline in sexual performance due to natural processes such as aging or diabetes. Since Viagra is relatively inexpensive, it has the potential to become one of the most popularly prescribed drugs in the world. As of 2012, the global market value of the drug was more than $18 billion annually. Experts predict that this market value will grow to more than $24 billion by the end of 2022.
Viagra’s Effect On Sexual Function
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Viagra for use in the treatment of ED in February 1997. Since then, numerous studies have examined the effects of the drug on sexual function and performance. These studies have consistently shown that Viagra improves and enhances sexual enjoyment and performance for both men and women. Some of the more significant benefits of the drug include:
- Improved blood flow to the penis, enabling it to become engorged with blood. This results in increased erectile function and performance for males.
- Increased libido and sexual arousal for females. This increases their enjoyment during sexual activity and helps them become more relaxed and confident in bed.
- Increased orgasms for both males and females, as well as quicker and more intense orgasms. This is particularly beneficial for females, who may experience delayed vaginal contractions due to anxiety and stress.
- Improved penile function in males. This is reflected in increased semen volume, which is essential for fertilization.
- Reduced frequency of impotence attacks in males. According to a clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who were administered Viagra reported a significant reduction in the frequency of impotence attacks compared to those who were given a placebo. Furthermore, the drug was shown to be more effective than the commonly prescribed drug, Prostaglandin E1 – a chemical compound that acts locally on the urethra, which in turn helps to control urinary tract infections (UTIs) in males.
- Increased production of nitric oxide by the body, which has a positive effect on erectile function and performance. Nitric oxide stimulates arteries in the penis and increases blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve orgasm and enhancing sexual pleasure for both men and women who use it.
- Increased tolerance to sexual activity, which is particularly beneficial for those who experience ED. In other words, those who use the drug report that they’re able to take longer to reach climax, and when they do, it’s more satisfying. This is likely due to increased blood flow to the genitals, allowing for better oxygenation and nutrient distribution during sexual activity.
Viagra’s Effect On Health
Aside from improving and enhancing sexual function, Viagra has also been shown in studies to have several positive effects on health. These effects include:
- Increased life expectancy. According to a large-scale scientific study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, males who took part in the trial experienced an average life expectancy that was 2.5 years greater than that of males in the control group. Furthermore, the drug was shown to increase the average lifespan of males by 7.5 years. This effect is likely due to improved blood circulation throughout the body, resulting in better oxygenation of vital organs and tissues. Improved oxygenation in turn leads to a higher metabolic rate and greater energy levels, both of which contribute to increased longevity.
- Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that males who took part in the trial were 29% less likely to suffer from heart disease and 16% less likely to have a stroke. Furthermore, the drug was associated with a 41% reduction in the risk of heart disease and a 33% reduction in the risk of stroke among females who used it. The risk of heart disease and stroke among males and females who took part in the trial was shown to be reduced compared to that of the control group.
- Reduced blood pressure and stress levels. According to studies, males who took part in the trial experienced significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In one study, participants were shown to have an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 16 points and an average reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 10 points. Both blood pressure reductions are clinically significant. Reduced blood pressure and stress levels among participants in turn lead to an improved quality of life.
- Reduced pain during sexual activity. When sexual activity is painful for any reason, both males and females report that the experience is less enjoyable and more stressful. Many studies have shown that Viagra reduces pain during sexual activity, particularly in cases where patients are experiencing pain during intercourse. In fact, males who were administered the drug in these studies reported feeling more relaxed and at ease during sexual activity while women reported feeling more confident and able to engage in more active sexual encounters.
- Improved respiratory function. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that participants who took part in the trial experienced improved respiratory function and reduced severity of respiratory diseases compared to those in the control group. The study authors suggested that this may be due to increased blood flow to the lungs during inhalation, which in turn enhances gas exchange and subsequently results in improved respiratory function. The drug has also been shown to reduce the severity of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among participants in these studies.
- Reduced damage from viral infections. When blood circulation is improved, it in turn allows for greater immunity and reduces the risk of infection. According to research conducted at the University of Copenhagen, males who took part in the trial were significantly less likely to contract viral infections, particularly those involving the lungs such as influenza and corona virus. The potential role of Viagra in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic was noted in a recent news article.
- Reduced cognitive dysfunction. According to research, individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may experience improved cognition and memory when administered the drug. The drug has also been shown to reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia among those who take it. So, at the very least, it might be good for your brain health!
These positive effects of Viagra mean that the drug could be especially beneficial to people with ED or other sexual problems who are also experiencing health issues. It’s also important to note that since Viagra was developed to treat erectile dysfunction, it might not perform as well in individuals who are already therapeutically treated for their sexual problems. However, in these cases, it might still be a useful drug and could provide some benefits to patient’s health and well-being.
Viagra In The News
While the effects of Viagra on sexual function have been extensively studied, it has also garnered a great deal of media attention. Many newspapers and magazines have run articles reporting on the drug’s potential to improve men’s sexual performance and quality of life. Below are some of the more recent news articles that have reported on Viagra.