Pfizer's Marvellous Medicine
The History of Viagra: 'A Star is Born'
Like most great inventions, Viagra was first discovered by accident. The world's most famous remedy for impotence started off life as a disappointing treatment for angina. The future of the drug (then known as UK-92480) was looking rather bleak until clinical trials in a small Welsh town gave the first hint of a revolution to come.
Doctor's began to notice that the trial patients were very reluctant to stop taking the drug and one by one the Viagra guinea pigs confessed that their sex life had dramatically improved. Following this unexpected side effect Viagra was launched by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in mid April 1998 in the US as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and the rest is history
How Viagra Works
Erections are all about blood flow. Viagra works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. It does this by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase (PDE5). By inhibiting PDE5, the blood vessels in the penis remain relaxed for a longer period allowing for increased blood flow. It also has the effect of "trapping" the blood in the penis helping to produce longer-lasting erections. Officially, Viagra is said to only work in response to sexual stimulation and is not an aphrodisiac.
The Viagra Revolution
Ten years and millions of satisfied customers on, measuring the impact of this little blue pill is hard. Viagra has undoubtedly transformed the sexual landscape over the years.
Viagra has not only strengthened the marital bond and increased the quality of life for millions of men and their partners, but it has made men less afraid to talk about their sexual problems. Before the age of Viagra, impotence equaled shame and often the collapse of committed relationships. Thanks to Pfizer's magic pill media coverage means that after generations of taboo, of refusing to talk about sexual failure, erectile dysfunction has become a subject that can be discussed openly.
Another positive offshoot of this openness is that it is becoming easier to make diagnoses of more serious illnesses. The circulation problems that create erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of vascular blockage and diabetes.
However, there are also concerns about Viagra These include:
'Viagra Divorces': Viagra is rumoured to be the third party in many marriage splits.The theory is that if older men are more able to perform again, they are more likely to cheat.
Rise in STI's in pensioners: In retirement communities, rates of sexually transmitted diseases among elderly men have increased since the advent of Viagra.
Drug Dependency: Is Viagra spawning a nation of men who are dependent on the drug? Does it give rise to the expectation that men should be able to just pop a pill and have sex, regardless of they feel emotionally.
Recreational Abuse: Viagra is being increasingly added to drug cocktails in club culture sparking concerns about those taking the drug on a recreational basis but there is no documented evidence of any major loss of life involving recreational use.
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