What will it take for Viagra to lose its popularity? The drug has been around for several years and is still one of the most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction. But, is it still effective? Would a newer drug be more effective? Will a cheaper generic version eat into sales?
The market for ED drugs is a $13.9 billion industry and is expected to grow 21% annually. In fact, in 2021 alone, there were 5.7 million new cases of ED and 7.8 million prescriptions written, according to research firm Tractica. That’s 66.2 million men worldwide and millions more around the globe who could benefit from an ED drug.
Viagra and its competitors, Cialis and Levitra, are still among the most popular treatments for ED. In fact, these drugs accounted for more than half of the 38 million prescriptions written in 2021. So, despite concerns that the virus would kill Viagra’s popularity, it seems that men are still looking for ways to treat their impotence. Let’s take a closer look at the evidence and the future of Viagra and its competitors.
The Evolution Of ED Treatment
Let’s begin by looking at the history of ED treatment. Back in the 1970s, doctors would often recommend vasectomy for men with ED. The surgery was fairly invasive and offered some protection against ED, but not always. If a man wanted to father children, he’d have to go through the surgery. In some cases, it didn’t work and men could end up infertile.
Then, in the 1980s, Viagra was introduced as a purely oral treatment for ED. The drug was a radical departure from previous treatments and offered an easy option for men with mild to moderate ED. Since then, oral treatments for ED have risen to prominence and there are now dozens of drugs to choose from. Instead of having to go under the knife, men with mild ED can now take a pill and often prefer that option.
Viagra’s Popularity
Viagra’s popularity can be attributed to its effectiveness and convenience. The drug is highly effective in treating ED. In fact, studies have shown that it outperforms other pills and injections. If a man suffers from mild ED, he’s likely to be pleased with the results of his first treatment. However, if he has moderate to severe ED, he might require additional treatment. But, even in those cases, Viagra usually works well.
For many men with ED, taking a pill is a preferred treatment over having to deal with the anxiety of seeking medical help. It’s easy enough to pop a pill, but treating your condition usually means undergoing tests and possibly getting surgery. Many men with ED choose to ignore the symptoms because they fear there’s more serious underlying causes. For those who do seek medical help, a quick relief is all that’s needed. Viagra has a proven record of being effective and many men have experienced great relief from its use.
How Effective Is Viagra?
Unlike some medications which are only effective when used for specific ailments, Viagra is effective regardless of the type of ED a man might have. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2020 found that, among patients who had tried to quit smoking, 36% were still able to achieve an erection firm enough for intercourse after taking Viagra. This makes the drug more versatile than many other ED treatments and might explain why it continues to be popular even among men who need to seek treatment for other conditions.
Another study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that patients who took Viagra for chronic heart disease were twice as likely to experience an improvement in their erectile function as those who took a placebo. But, the biggest takeaway from these two studies is that Viagra can help men with any type of ED, not just those who suffer from heart disease.
So, regardless of whether a man has vasculature issues, neurological problems, or simply needs help getting and maintaining an erection, Viagra is a safe and effective treatment. What’s more, as long as a patient avoids tobacco products, his or her overall health should improve, which in turn, might make him or her harder to hospitalize.
Where Does Viagra Fit In Today’s World Of ED Treatment?
Today, with over 150 million prescriptions written, there are more options for men with ED than ever before. This is great news for those who suffer from the condition and are open to trying new treatments. But, it can also make choosing a medication confusing. Does this treatment help me the most? Is there another drug which performs better?
With so many choices, a man might be tempted to try everything to find the best solution. But, this is a mistake. Treatment for ED is about finding what works best for you and your health concerns. Once you find a medication that helps you achieve an erection, you must continue to take it and not try and switch to another drug. Most medications work best when used for the same condition for which they were designed, and they don’t offer much in terms of advantages when used for other medical conditions. But, this is a dangerous game and can cause more harm than good. If you do try another medication, make sure you consult with your physician and obtain advice before taking it.
Is A Newer Treatment More Effective?
With so many people struggling with ED, it’s not surprising that many are trying to find the best solution. But, what if there was an even better treatment than Viagra?
Unfortunately, there isn’t. But, this doesn’t mean that newer treatments are always better. There are cases where older treatments have performed better than newer ones. One of the reasons behind this is that, over time, medications become less effective. This is especially true for those who are prescribed a medication for a condition other than that for which they were designed. This can make it harder for a man to achieve an erection if he takes these medications long-term.
For instance, a man who takes an antibiotic for an ear infection might end up with decreased effectiveness from the medication if he takes it for other reasons as well. In these cases, unless the risks are minimal, newer medications might not be the best choice because there’s a chance they won’t work as well as before.
The Rise Of ‘Pill Shopping’
One of the major developments in the world of ED treatment over the past few years has been the boom in online pharmacies. These online drugstores allow patients to purchase pharmaceuticals and medical products and have them delivered to their homes. Many men are choosing to do their pill shopping online because it’s more convenient for them. They don’t always want to leave the house, especially if they’re feeling sick or unhappy. So, they might want to try a treatment that doesn’t require them to leave their homes.
There are also times when traveling is not an option for patients. If a man has to be in a hospital for an extended period of time, he might not be able to travel and meet with his doctor. In these cases, online pharmacies allow men to get their medications without having to wait until their hospitalization. This can be a great advantage for those who need immediate relief.
Are Pills Always The Best Choice For ED Treatment?
Although most men with ED prefer to treat their condition with pills, this is a mistake. Many times, a man’s body produces hormones which actually cause ED. In these cases, pills might not be the best choice because they don’t always work in the same way as other medications. In some instances, surgical treatment might be the best solution.
It’s also important to remember that some medications need to be used for specific purposes and aren’t advisable for other uses. For instance, a diabetic might need to take an insulin pill to remain healthy. But, if he takes it for erectile dysfunction, it might not be as effective and could even do harm. It’s a good idea to consult with a physician before starting any new treatment.