Viagra Was Approved Ten Years Ago: Birthday

The little blue pill that enabled millions of couples to reawaken their sex lives was discovered by accident, says sexologist Vera Steenhart of the Dutch Sexology Association. Pfizer was actually looking for a drug for the heart problem angina pectoris. The pills didn't appear to be benefiting the test subjects, but they refused to give them back. Ms Steenhart:

"The manufacturers found this strange. On further investigation, they found the drug gave the male patients an erection. They were extremely happy about it."

Effect
The forerunner to Viagra was developed to make blood vessels relax. The test subjects were given the drug to improve blood circulation to the heart to reduce the chance of heart failure. Viagra has the same effect on the penis. When the man is sexually stimulated, the blood supply is improved and it becomes easier for him to maintain an erection.

It's a myth that the pill can produce an unwanted erection. The user does actually have to be in the mood, so Viagra has little or no effect if he is unwilling to have sex or feels anxious about it. In that case it would be more appropriate for him to have a good talk with his partner or pay a visit to a psychologist or sexologist.

Revolution
After Viagra's chance discovery, the manufacturer immediately recognised its potential market. The drug's official introduction represented a genuine revolution for men with erectile dysfunction. All that had previously been available to them were decidedly unerotic aids such as vacuum pumps, which were of little use at all to older men. With the advent of Viagra, a simple solution had been provided. According to Pfizer, the drug has been taken by at least 30 million men around the world since its introduction in 1998 .

The only remaining barrier is a visit to the doctor to get a prescription. "For some men this is still difficult," says Ms Steenhart. Nevertheless, the sexologist advises against buying the drug over the internet.

"If men accidentally buy fake Viagra pills, the consequences can be dire."

"If men accidentally buy fake pills, the consequences can be dire."

In the Netherlands, twelve people are assumed to have died after using illegal Viagra. According to the Health Ministry, the victims were men with heart conditions, who shouldn't have been taking the drug.

Doctor
What's more, recent research has shown that impotence is often a sign of another undiagnosed illness, such as diabetes or a problem with cholesterol or blood pressure.

"If someone goes to the doctor with an erection problem, further examination sometimes reveals that something else is the matter. This complaint can then be treated directly," says Ms Steenhart.

The side effects associated with Viagra also make it inadvisable to take the drug without supervision by a doctor. Users sometimes suffer from headaches or blurred vision. Side effects generally decrease with long-term use. The drug also becomes more effective after the first few times. "Men should keep on taking Viagra, even if they think it doesn't work the first time," Ms Steenhart advises.

Taboo
According to the sexologist, most men now feel able to discuss their problems with their wives. And this has a number of advantages. Not only does it help break down the taboo, but it also contributes to a better sex life.

"Men only talk about their problems if they know they can be solved."

Source: By Radio Netherlands