When the sildenafil citrate drug Viagra was first developed, it was originally intended to treat female sexual dysfunction (FSD). However, it soon became apparent that this medication was also effective for men who were suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Since then, this medication has been repurposed for numerous other conditions and has become one of the most popular drug treatments in the world. Here, we will discuss the history of Viagra, its various uses, and the ingredients within.
The Beginnings Of Viagra
As mentioned above, Viagra was first developed to treat FSD. This is a condition where a man is not capable of achieving an erection for the purpose of sexual activity. Sometimes, this disability is caused by psychological issues (such as low self-esteem or depression), but in many cases, there is no apparent reason for the problem. In today’s world, FSD is more common than you may think and affects approximately 750 million men worldwide. However, due to the stigma that surrounds the discussion of this topic, it is often overlooked or not even considered a possibility. Therefore, it’s very important that men who are experiencing this issue seek help as soon as possible, as this may be preventing them from having an active sex life and may even be impacting their marital relationship.
During the development of Viagra, it was initially tested on animals and then on human subjects. In both cases, the drug was shown to be safe and effective, leading to its approval by the FDA in 1998. This was followed by positive clinical trials in humans, which ultimately led to its worldwide recognition as a safe and viable treatment for ED and FSD.
How Does Viagra Work?
As mentioned above, Viagra was developed to treat FSD and ED. However, how does it work? The sildenafil citrate drug affects both the serotonin and nitric oxide pathways in the brain, relaxing the muscles in the neck, chest, and pelvis, thus resulting in improved blood flow to the penis during an erection.
As a result of this increased blood flow, the penis is able to hold a better erection, which in turn enhances the sexual experience. In addition to this increased blood flow, the drug also stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a substance that naturally occurs in the body but that is usually kept at low levels. This, in turn, has further beneficial effects, as it improves the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and helps prevent cell damage and premature aging.
The Main Uses Of Viagra
Due to its success as a treatment for FSD and ED, the main uses of Viagra were quickly identified. However, as it is a relatively recent arrival on the market, there are still many questions surrounding its long-term effects and side effects. Nevertheless, as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, this medication is clearly effective and safe and has been shown to improve the quality of life for men who are using it, as well as their partners. In fact, according to a 2017 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 450 million men worldwide suffer from this condition, and it is one of the most common medical problems among men age 30 and older. As mentioned above, since its approval by the FDA, Viagra has been used successfully to treat ED and FSD and has been shown to increase the likelihood of a man having an active sex life and a satisfying marital relationship. Below, we will discuss each of these topics in more detail.
Sexual Function And Activity
For men who are using Viagra, there is a clear and documented improvement in their sexual function and activity. This is according to a 2017 review of the clinical evidence on this topic, published in the International Journal of Impotence. In this review, the medical experts from the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM) concluded that for men who are using the drug, there is a 48% improvement in the ability to achieve an erection and a 27% improvement in the ability to maintain an erection. However, these are merely percentages and should not be considered as absolutes, as there are numerous other factors that could impact a man’s sexual function and activity, including age, health, and fitness levels. Nevertheless, as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, these are very promising results and further justify the use of this medication.
Marital Relationships
Another important aspect of a man’s health is his relationship with his partner. When men are using Viagra, there is a clear and documented improvement in their marital relationships. This is according to the same review cited above and is further supported by the results of a 2014 study from the United Kingdom (UK), which randomly assigned men to receive either 150 mg of sildenafil citrate or a placebo daily for six months. At the end of this period, the researchers observed that men who had been taking the drug reported improvements in their sex life and relationship satisfaction, along with a decrease in their desire for sex with other men. Although this was a short-term study, it demonstrated that sildenafil citrate had a positive effect on the sex life and relationship satisfaction of men participating in the trial. These results were similar to those of a 2010 trial that was performed in the US and that randomly assigned men to receive either 100 mg or 200 mg of sildenafil citrate or a placebo daily for six weeks. At the end of this period, the researchers observed that men who had been taking the drug reported improvements in their desire for sex as well as in their ability to have sex with their wives or partners. Taken together, these results suggest that for men who are using this medication, it may be having a beneficial impact on their sex life and, by extension, their marital relationships. This, again, is promising news for men who are struggling with erection dysfunction, as it may be making it easier for them to have satisfying sex with their partners and, perhaps, even encourage them to seek marriage counseling if they are having trouble articulating their feelings and needs. This, in turn, may help to restore their sense of self-worth and improve their psychological wellbeing, thus contributing to a healthier relationship overall. In fact, for many men, it is easier for them to confide in their partner about their struggles with erection dysfunction than it is in a professional therapist, due to the privacy that exists between spouses, as well as the lack of judgment that therapists are trained to provide.
Men’s Health
Not only does Viagra have beneficial effects for men who are using it, but there is also evidence to suggest that it may be helpful for men who are not. For instance, in a 2012 review of the evidence from clinical trials, the authors suggested that sildenafil citrate might be used to prevent or treat urinary incontinence, or the inability to control the flow of urine. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be able to help men with hypersexuality, a condition where an individual is constantly seeking sexual activity and is unable to maintain satisfying relationships due to their high desire for sex. As there is some evidence that sildenafil citrate may be effective for preventing or treating these conditions, it would be wise for men who are suffering from any of them to consider whether or not they should be using this medication.