The creator of Viagra is actually a group of people, but the medicine was first created by Pfizer scientists. Sildenafil is the compound that works in combination with testosterone to improve erectile function. On January 10th, 1998, Pfizer released the first-ever oral medication to treat erectile dysfunction – Viagra.
The medicine was such a success that, as of February 2020, over 80 million prescriptions have been filled worldwide.
Even then, Viagra wasn’t universally liked. Back in the day, when you walked into a pharmacy to get Viagra, you wouldn’t always find a pharmacist waiting to help you. Instead, you’d often find a salesperson trying to upsell you on other medication or supplements.
How Did Viagra Become So Popular?
The most obvious answer is that it’s been around for 19 years and continues to be effective. But that’s not the whole story.
Since its introduction in 1998, the stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction (ED) has been slowly diminishing. Thanks in large part to advancements in technology and the wider availability of online resources.
In recent years, research has shown that roughly one in five men between the ages of 40 and 70 struggle with ED. And while the exact cause of ED is often debated, it’s often attributed to modern living and the increasing workloads faced by many men. The result is a generation of guys who are simply afraid to speak openly about their sexuality.
Men who have been through or are currently going through treatment for ED are often relieved and want to help other guys who are also struggling. In fact, a 2016 study from the United Kingdom found that men seek treatment for ED more quickly than their peers due to the stigma surrounding the condition. This has led to a rise in the popularity of alternative and complementary therapies, such as vitamin supplements and lifestyle changes.
Treatments For ED Are On The Rise
According to the American Vascular Association, treatments for ED are on the rise. In 2018 alone, the number of American men taking some form of ED medication increased by 5% to 16% compared to the year before.
The most popular treatment is of course Viagra, which was originally developed for cardiovascular disease. But other medications are also approved for use in treating ED and are becoming more widely available. In fact, the American Vascular Association notes that treatments for ED will continue to grow, as long as the stigma surrounding the condition stays at bay.
While there are no exact figures available, it’s estimated that about 24 million American men currently struggle with ED. If that sounds like you, feel free to give Viagra a try.
The Rise Of The Varsity Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar, the varsity jacket is a classic American style of jacket that became popular after World War II. The name comes from the fact that early models were mostly worn by students at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1940s. Since then, the style has remained popular and is now seen as a symbol of male sophistication.
But it wasn’t always seen that way. As recently as the 1950s, the varsity jacket was often considered distasteful and even vulgar – a far cry from the classy look it is today. Thankfully, social changes have followed suit and helped to shed this earlier stigma. Today, the varsity jacket is commonly associated with classy and even prestigious events, such as the Super Bowl or the Academy Awards. And when you put a sport coat and a tie on a man, you know he’s going to look like a million bucks.
Other Stigmas Surrounding ED Are Slowly Dissolving
Even then, the medicine didn’t come without its share of controversy and side effects. In the late ’90s, several lawsuits were filed against Pfizer because of concerns that Viagra would cause health problems. These lawsuits were eventually dropped because the company didn’t want to admit that their product was harmful. But that’s not the only controversy surrounding the medicine. In 2011, the FDA warned about the potential for severe side effects, including sudden blindness and kidney damage. But these risks are usually associated with high doses or prolonged use of Viagra.
Thankfully, since its introduction in 1998, no major side effects have been reported. But as with any newly approved medication, there are always going to be risks associated with its use. Even then, these risks are usually mentioned in tiny print on the box. In the event of an accident or mistake, the onus is often on the customer to prove that the risk was foreseeable.
It’s important to remember that not all erectile dysfunction is created equal. While some men may experience performance anxiety when it comes to sexual intimacy, others may simply be experiencing the early stages of aging. There are also various medical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For these men, treatment may involve medication or surgical intervention.
The Benefits Of ED And Viagra
There are many benefits to ED and Viagra, the most obvious being an improvement in erectile function. But the medicine also has various other uses. Here are just a few.
Improved Focus And Mental Alertness During Work Hours – Since the early days of Viagra, scientists have discovered that the drug can improve both physical and mental performance. A 2012 Cochrane review of 23 studies involving over 17,000 participants found that men who took Viagra achieved significantly higher scores on neuropsychological tests of attention and memory than those who took a placebo – an inactive pill.
The review authors concluded that this suggested that ED “may have a role to play in improving cognitive performance in everyday life and work.” In other words, men who take Viagra may be better able to focus at work and remain alert during the day. And while this may seem like an obvious conclusion, there is significant evidence to support it.
A 2019 study from the United Kingdom found that when men took Viagra before a test of cognitive function, they performed better than those who took a placebo. The study’s authors concluded that “these findings support the hypothesis that the cognitive benefits from taking Viagra are directly related to its effects on cognition.”
If you’re someone who regularly finds yourself needing to use mental resources at work, you might want to try ED medication. Not only will it allow you to perform better, but it may also help to improve your productivity – which, in turn, means you might be able to ask for a raise or get a promotion.
Reduced Stress And Anxiety – One of the most significant benefits of Viagra is that it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. A 2014 randomized controlled study from the United Kingdom evaluated the effects of Viagra on stress, sexual dysfunction, and depression in men. The study’s authors concluded that the drug may be suitable for men with moderate levels of depression and sexual dysfunction who also experience high levels of stress.
In another 2014 study, scientists from the United Kingdom examined the effects of the drug on patients who experienced anxiety and depression following treatment for heart disease or stroke. They found that men who took Viagra had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores than those who took a placebo. And a 2017 meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 5,500 patients found that Viagra reduced anxiety in both healthy men and those who experienced anxiety following treatment for heart disease or stroke. While these findings have not been disputed, they have not been widely publicized either.
Increased Libido
Speaking of widely publicized findings, there have been many studies that have shown that Viagra can boost a man’s libido. A 2001 meta-analysis of 19 studies involving over 12,000 participants found that men who took Viagra had significantly higher scores on sexual function questionnaires than those who took a placebo. The analysis’s authors concluded that “these findings suggest that [Viagra] may have a role to play in improving sexual function in everyday life.”
More recent studies have also reached similar conclusions. A 2019 study from Germany’s largest integrated health care system found that when men took Viagra, their levels of sexual desire and activity significantly increased. The study’s authors concluded that the drug may be suitable for men with low levels of sexual desire and activity who also experience cardiovascular disease.
A 1999 study from the United Kingdom found that when men took Viagra, their levels of sexual satisfaction and activity significantly increased – even in those who had previously experienced erectile dysfunction. The study’s authors concluded that “further development of this form of treatment for ED may allow more men to gain maximum benefit from sexuality and relationships.”