Big Pharma seems to be milking as much money out of men as they can get away with. With new patented pills and potions hitting the market each year, men are struggling to keep up. How many times have you heard about some new “wonder” drug that supposedly improves your sex life? Well, Viagra is back, and this time it’s over the counter in the United States of America.
The Rise Of Over-The-Counter Viagra
In a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Advertising Agencies on behalf of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine industry, 41% of respondents said that they would purchase herbal dietary supplements, while 29% would try a new medication for ED. Interestingly, only 12% felt that there was no better option but to try a prescription drug.
The industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years, now boasts several billion dollars in sales annually. And who is buying all these pills and potions? Mostly men aged between 18 and 34. In 2014, the OTC medicine industry had a growth rate of 20% compared to 2013. This was attributed mainly to the increasing life expectancies of Americans and an increasingly busier work schedule resulting in less leisure time. What will be the next “wonder” drug to help men get through the day? How about a drug that helps them relax?
The Biggest Loser In The Pharmaceutical Battle For Male Sexual Health
The cost of a typical prescription drug is becoming a significant portion of many people’s budgets, especially when taking into consideration the high rates of medical bankruptcy in the US. This is mainly because the pharmaceutical industry keeps coming up with new expensive drugs that are guaranteed to make a profit. Sometimes the medication can even be harmful to certain patients (i.e. Prilosec).
As a result, more and more men are choosing to self-medicate with over-the-counter remedies. According to a recent study from the American Association of Advertising Agencies, 70% of men report that they have used herbal remedies to treat ED. Further evidence can be seen in the huge sales of supplements that contain vitamin B, vitamin D, and vitamin C. These are all vitamins that the body needs to function normally. So it seems as though the smart men’s market is responding to the needs of the times by opting for natural alternatives.
Over-The-Counter For All Reasons
While many men are choosing to self-medicate with herbal remedies and vitamin supplements for ED, these products are not intended to replace professional medical treatment. Instead, it is advised that you speak with a physician about the best course of treatment for your specific case. This is especially important if you’re experiencing other health problems as well (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders, etc.).
OTC remedies are generally not covered by medical insurance, but are instead classified as “self-pay[s]”. In other words, you’ll have to pay for them yourself. This can be a hassle if you’re already paying for your medications (i.e. Prilosec or Propecia) as they are also most often used to treat disorders that are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. This is why it’s important to consult with your physician about what options are available to you.
The good thing is that you have options. It is still considered very rare for a man to develop problems with sexual function after the age of 40. However, if you’re experiencing a difficulty with erections, there are multiple solutions. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you’re physically healthy. This means getting plenty of sleep and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. If these efforts fail, then perhaps it’s time to consider trying a different approach.