What year did viagra come on the market?

It’s the little blue pill that changed everything – and no, we’re not talking about smurfs. We’re talking about Viagra! The first oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, this magical medication has helped countless men achieve erections they never thought possible. But when did it all begin? When did Pfizer introduce Viagra to the world? Buckle up, kids – we’ve got the scoop.

A Brief History of Erectile Dysfunction

Before we dive into the history of Viagra itself, let’s take a look at erectile dysfunction as a whole. Believe it or not (and you probably believe it), ED has been affecting men since ancient times.

Fun fact: In ancient Egypt circa 2000 BCE, impotence was treated with an ointment made from baby crocodile hearts mixed with wood oil and dates. Sounds delicious!

Over the centuries, various treatments have been used in attempts to remedy ED: everything from drinking animal semen to inserting suppositories made of powdered rhinoceros horn into one’s urethra (ouch). As you can imagine, most of these remedies were either ineffective or downright dangerous.

Fast forward to modern times. In 1983, researchers at Pfizer began studying an enzyme called PDE5 which plays a role in controlling blood flow and muscle contraction in penile tissue. They hoped inhibiting this enzyme would improve blood flow and help treat ED.

This research eventually led to sildenafil citrate – better known by its brand name: Viagra.

Development & Testing of Viagra

Once Pfizer had identified sildenafil as a potential treatment for ED, they began testing it on animals. According to legend (or maybe just PR spin), one test subject was an older man who volunteered simply because he wanted his wife back after forty years without sex together (who wouldn’t?) .

In fact , human trials related further positive effects- among other things, the scientists noted that many male participants had unexpected boners while wearing paper underwear provided during testing. Pfizer also tested Viagra on women (lucky them) and found that it had little to no effect on female sexual response.

FDA Approval & Launch

It wasn’t until March 27, 1998 – nearly fifteen years after researchers began studying PDE5 inhibitors – that Viagra was finally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating ED. If you’re doing the math at home, yes: that means it took Pfizer over a decade of trials and research before they received approval for their groundbreaking medication.

But once they got it? Let’s just say sales went through the roof. Within its first two months on the market alone, Viagra generated over $400 million in revenue! And as of today (which is completely useless information since we don’t know when you’ll read this), over thirty million men have been prescribed Viagra or another PDE5 inhibitor worldwide.

The Impact of Viagra

The introduction of Viagra had a profound impact not just on men with erectile dysfunction, but on society as a whole. Suddenly, openly discussing issues related to male sexual health became less taboo; doctors were more likely to ask patients about their sex lives and vice versa (more awkward conversations!) .

But there were downsides too. Some people criticized what they saw as over-medicalization of sex;others accused drug companies like Pfizer making billions off men’s insecurities.

Alternative Uses for Sildenafil

Since sildenafil is primarily used to treat ED , there can be surprising benefits although few scientific studies has confirmed any other potential therapeutic effects .Multiple theories suggest encouraging results- from serious conditions such as stroke recovery or altitude sickness ,to cutting edge cosmetic uses like hair growth promotion or even improved longevity .

However having mentioned all these ‘theories’ – without official trials one should NOT go ahead self medicating, prescribing sildenafil or considering it as a substitute of actual treatments.

The ‘Magic Blue Pill’ Today

In the twenty-two years since its debut, Viagra has become one of the most recognized and talked-about prescription medications on earth. It’s inspired countless jokes (you know them all), appeared in movies (The Hangover, anyone?), and probably saved more than a few relationships along the way (we hope) .

But while Viagra is still available today – both as original Pfizer products and various generics – it’s no longer considered to be an innovative therapy. A number of other PDE5 inhibitors have come onto market over past decade such Cialis or Levitra which have similar benefits with some differentiating features (you can ask your doctor which one suits better for you ) . In any scenario taking these medications always requires medical guidance (yes again)

That being said ,while not revolutionary like in was twenties ago ,Viagra remains novel medication that combats against serious issue impacting many men

Conclusion

So there you have it: a brief history lesson on erectile dysfunction and the little blue pill that made “ED” something other than “Erectile Dysfunction.” Who knows where we’d be without it? But even though ED is now more easily treated, we shouldn’t forget about those ancient Egyptians who were trying to achieve erections using baby crocodile hearts- after earthen dams catastrophes last year So let’s spread awareness – both then &now (unrelated topic but important anyway )!

If you are thinking about medication go talk to your doctor; they’ve heard this question before!

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