This month’s print edition of Fast Company (3/08) highlights the popular male history of Viagra (sildenafil). Patented in 1996 and FDA approved in 1998, this Pfizer developed drug began as a potential treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, but was found to be better suited for penile erections. During the first month available, pharmacists filled 367,857 prescriptions. Annual sales for the years 1999-2001 were more than $1 million. Prescribed in 120 countries with more than 150 million filled prescriptions for 40 million plus men, the erectile dysfunction (ED) market is worth an estimated $3 million dollars. 60% of this is the property of Viagra, and their US patent is set to expire in 2011. Other ED meds include Viagra’s competitors—Cyalis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil).

Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect 18 million American men, ages 40 to 70, or two of every 100 men. The condition is commonly associated with stress, performance anxiety, relationship problems, depression or other mental illness, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, prostate disease, stroke, and prescribed medications. Most recently, studies have shown that smoking causes ED. The habit sends nicotine and other vasoconstrictors into the body which shut down blood vessels, including those within the penis.  A quiet personal dilemma, depression often accompanies erectile dysfunction. Medline Plus states that it is not a result of the natural aging process.

Viagra is meant to prolong and harden an erection by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow to the area. For men with heart problems this medication will carry the risk of cardiac arrest. Vision difficulties , stomach upset, possible priapism, and hearing loss are further potential side effects. Those who take nitrate medications must strictly avoid Viagra. Speak with a doctor about other drugs and supplements you use which could cause possible adverse interactions with Viagra:

1. Blood pressure medications

2. Pain relievers

3. Antipsychotic medications

4. Acid blockers

5. Seizure medications

6. St. John’s wort

7. Grapefruit/grapefruit juice

Suzy Cohen, R. PH. , author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist, has devoted an entire chapter on this subject, “When He Wants Viagra And You Want A Valium.” She writes, “As far as I’m concerned, a person’s low sex drive might just be a preference. Or maybe it’s a natural part of aging. It’s certainly not a disease as the drug makers imply.” Instead Suzy Cohen advocates hormone testing for those who believe their sex drive is too low. Using a lab, one can produce a sample of urine or saliva at home and send it out for testing. Another option is asking an endocrinologist to test for hormone deficiencies. Once the problem is known, the doctor can prescribe medication or over-the-counter supplements.

Advertised prominently online and in print are herbal substitutes for Viagra. Buyer beware. These products have not yet been proven safe.

Prevent the risks of erectile dysfunction by not smoking or using illegal drugs, exercising daily, eating nutritiously, and getting adequate sleep. Furthermore, reduce stress, limit alcohol intake, receive regular doctor checkups, and get necessary help for depression and anxiety.

UPDATE:  A recent study by Dr. David Glenn, a consultant gynecologist at Queen's University Belfast has linked Viagra use to damaged male fertility.  Researchers have suggested that the drug harms sperm. Men are warned not to use the drug recreationally. Preliminary results were released in 4/'04, when Glenn found that sperm treated with Viagra seemed to speed up and release an enzyme necessary for fertility to early, nullifying the sperm.

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Update on Jul 10, 2008 by Editor

Independent!