Why Is Viagra So Popular? 9 Main Reasons

Why Is Viagra So Popular (Featured Image)

Why Is Viagra So Popular? 9 Main Reasons

Article Overview

In this article I cover why Viagra is so popular and 9 reasons why so many men use it as their primary treatment for erectile dysfunction. I’ll also cover what Viagra is and how it works, as well as some additional recommendations worth considering before you pop this rather expensive treatment for ED.

Read Time Icon9 minutes read time

Last updated Last updated 30 August, 2022

Why Is Viagra So Popular (Summary Image)

For over 20 years, men with erectile dysfunction have turned to Viagraexternal link icon to help them rise to the occasion. Other alternatives have since popped up, but many still prefer popping the “little blue pill.” So why is Viagra so popular?

Viagra is popular due to various reasons. Not only is the erectile dysfunction drug highly effective, but it’s also easily available, FDA-approved, has mild side effects and is suitable for all men. Viagra is also endothelial friendly and tends to improve quality of life when used correctly.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why Viagra is so popular while answering frequently asked questions about the little blue pill.

Viagra (Brand) 50mg Product Box

Number 1 IconViagra Helps Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitorexternal link icon and therefore causes blood vessels to relax, consequently leading to an erection. It doesn’t affect libido. Hence you will still need to have mental or physical stimulation.

Our bodies contain an enzyme called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) that regulates chemicals controlling the contraction and relaxation of muscles. When muscles in your penile blood vessels relax, blood flow increases and creates an erection, while their contraction decreases blood flow and reduces an erection.

Viagra helps treat Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the incapability to achieve and maintain an erection. And although Viagra helps increase blood flow to the penis, it’s important to note that it doesn’t cure ED permanently.

However, Viagra will help you to get and maintain arousal when you need it most.

Number 2 IconEasily Available

Viagra is in great demand, and even with the introduction of generics, Pfizerexternal link icon, Viagra’s parent company, still has a majority hold on the erectile dysfunction market. Pfizer’s generic version is preferredexternal link icon over branded Viagra, presumably due to its affordability, costing almost half the price of the branded version.

All in all, having both the branded and generic versions gives you options from a reputable company.

Furthermore, unlike in the US, where Viagra is only sold under prescription, Viagra is sold without a prescriptionexternal link icon in the UK. It has increased its availability, and more people can access it without going through dealers or using shady sites.

Companies such as external link icon have gained massive popularity among men dealing with ED. You can easily order your preferred product on these sites and have them delivered to you, avoiding the awkwardness of talking to a drug store attendant.

Viagra (50mg) - Rear of Box

Number 3 IconHighly Effective

When taken without food, Viagra is quickly absorbed into the body, and its effectiveness can be as quick as 30 minutes before being sexually aroused. The drug’s effects can also last up to 8 hours after ingestion, depending on your body and the dose you take. It means you can have multiple erections during this time.

However, you should note that a single erection shouldn’t exceed 4 hours, and if it does, you should immediately see a doctor.

The allure of only having to swallow a pill to get an erection, if not multiple, makes the drug attractive. Its efficacy is highexternal link icon, with most who have used the drug reporting getting good results.

A common misconception is that crushing the tablet and placing it under your tongue, or chewing it, will give quicker results. It isn’t true. Taking Viagra as prescribed gives optimal results that are quick and lasting.

Number 4 IconEnough Online Information About the Drug

With references in pop culture and the many pop-up ads you’ve most probably come across, it’s safe to say that Viagra’s popularity is undeniable. Its introduction in the late ’90s, a marketing campaign that included a TV ad by a Presidential candidate, revolutionized the way people talked about ED. Before this, ED was referred to as impotence, a term that caused stigma.

largewhitevideoiconViagra TV Ad

timericon1 minute, 58 seconds

tableofcontentsiconMouse over or tap the video to see and jump to the chapters

Since then, many sources of information have popped up that give more information about the drug, particularly on the Internet. Thousands of websites have information on Viagra, and accessing this info is a simple Google search away – chances are how you came to discover this very article. Individuals also share their experiences on forums and social media.

Besides the company’s websiteexternal link icon, the FDA also provides information on the drug, including warning the publicexternal link icon on counterfeits. You can also find Viagra information in blogs and online medical journals. Going through these websites can be a good way of getting information on the drug.

Telehealth services sell these products and give information on them, the illnesses they treat, and their side effects.

Number 5 IconFDA Approved

Viagra was the first oral drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED under prescription.

Sildenafil, its active ingredient, was developed by Pfizer with the initial purpose of treating hypertension and angina pectoris (chest pain caused by heart disease). However, men reported having more frequent erections during clinical trials after taking the drug instead of its intended angina effect.

Seeing the huge market potential for treating erectile dysfunction, Pfizer patented sildenafil in 1996 and, in 2 years, was approved for treating ED.

It is estimated that 30 million men in the US and 100 million men worldwide have ED, with 50% of men between 40 to 70 years having some form of ED. This huge market is why various drugs, devices, and procedures claim to treat or cure ED. Many of these are often disappointing to their users, with Viagra being the most counterfeited drugexternal link icon.

FDA approval of Viagra shows that it’s safe to use as long as it’s taken within your doctor’s prescription.

Number 6 IconMild Side Effects if Used Correctly

The high effectiveness of Viagra shouldn’t make you disregard taking safety measures. Like other medications, Viagra also has side effects. Mild side effects include dizziness, headache, and skin rash. Severe side effects include blurred or loss of vision and hearing loss.

So, since Viagra can give you a hell of a reliable run, taking two pills in a day means reliable double runs, right? Wrong. Increasing your dosage raises the severity of side effects.

Using Viagra correctly can have a significant effect on these side effects. For instance, nitrates or “poppers,” taken to make one high, widen your blood vessels, and Viagra increases this effect. It causes a sudden drop in your blood pressure, and you may pass out or even die if low blood pressure is prolonged. But this shouldn’t scare you if you use the drug as prescribed.

Moreover, Viagra’s side effects are tolerable compared to other ED treatments, adding to the drug’s popularity.

Number 7 IconSuitable for All Men Aged 18 and Above

Viagra is recommended for men aged 18 and above for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is, however, not recommended for women and children. Its active ingredient, sildenafil, contained in Revatioexternal link icon in small doses, can be used by all people over a year old to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Though most young men have adequate sexual functioning, some do not, as arterial hardening can happen while you’re in your 20s. It makes your ability to have an erection decline. However, some young men still don’t need to use Viagra and use it for recreational purposes.

Though Viagra increases your erection quality, it doesn’t increase your sexual desire. You will, however, have a shorter refractory periodexternal link icon, meaning you will be able to go through another round of sex quicker. It is, perhaps, the main reason young men who don’t have ED choose to use Viagra.

It’s still considered safe to use Viagra for recreational purposes, so long as you don’t have underlying heart conditions.

Viagra (50mg) Box & Blister Pack (4 little blue pills)

Number 8 IconEndothelial Friendly

The endothelium is a smooth membrane lining inside the heart and blood vessels. They release chemicals used in blood clotting, body immunity, and the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. Injuring the endothelium will cause arteriosclerosisexternal link icon, the thickening of blood vessels due to plaque building up, causing ED.

PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, effectively reduce and eliminate this plaque, reducing the chances of heart attacks, strokes and giving better erections. Sildenafil, in particular, is a recommended drug for people with diabetesexternal link icon who often experience erectile difficulties mostly linked to vascular disease.

Prolonged treatment using Viagra is recommended as it’s endothelial-friendly.

Number 9 IconImproves Quality of Life

Men’s self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth are largely connected to their sexual function. Having better and quality erections helps in bettering your sexual performance, thus increasing your overall self-confidence. Therefore, having a solution for ED that requires popping a pill can be a big confidence booster.

Doctors previously thought that Viagra would be risky to those with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)external link icon. However, research also showsexternal link icon that sildenafil improves the quality of life of men with CHF, which, combined with ED, can cause depression. Studied patients showed an overall improvement in quality of life with better appetite and sleeping patterns that gave an overall good feeling about themselves.

Letter W IconWhat Is Viagra?

Viagra is a common brand name for a powerful prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction, hence, referred to as an impotence agent. The active ingredient is sildenafilexternal link icon and is used in other generic drugs of Viagra. Viagra is also referred to as the “little blue pill.”

For a long time, Viagra medication has largely been prescription-based, forcing many to resort to peddlers who may sell counterfeits. Unscrupulous online ads and sites promising ‘good results’ are also common and often disappointing. However, the more recently released Viagra Connectexternal link icon in the UK can be bought over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.

Viagra is only sold to persons over 18 years.

Letter H IconHow Does Viagra Work?

Viagra doesn’t cause erections on its own; instead, it affects how your body responds to sexual stimulation by relaxing penile muscles to increase blood flow.

Our bodies contain a chemical called nitric oxide that relaxes our muscles when we are sexually stimulated. Viagra increases this effect when introduced into the body, therefore increasing blood flow to the penis. It, consequently, causes or increases an erection.

Viagra Blister Pack Inside Product Box (50mg Viagra Dosage)

Letter W IconWhen Should You Take Viagra?

Viagra is taken orally in a 50 mg (0.0017 oz) dose, typically an hour before sex. However, depending on your particular circumstances, your doctor can prescribe a high dosage of 100 mg (0.0035 oz) or a low 25 mg (0.0008 oz) dosage.

A prescription may also involve taking the meds as late as 30 minutes or early as 4 hours before sex.

Taking Viagra after a heavy meal, especially ones with high-fat content such as a cheeseburger, will make its effectiveness take longer. However, you can still take Viagra without food, which will make it work faster.

Doctors recommend that you shouldn’t take Viagra if you’re allergic to sildenafil, its active ingredient. You should also avoid Viagra if you take nitrates such as poppers, which can cause sudden blood pressure decrease.

In general, you should avoid using Viagra if you have a history of the following conditions:

  • Heart or coronary artery disease and heart rhythm issues.
  • Low or high blood pressure.
  • A heart attack, congestive heart failure, or a stroke.
  • Liver or kidney disease.
  • Stomach ulcers.
  • Any blood cell illness like leukemia, sickle cell anemia, or multiple myeloma.
  • Peyronie’s disease or any physical penile deformity.

Letter S IconShould You Take Viagra Daily?

You can take Viagra daily, provided you don’t take it more than once a day. Talking to your doctor would help to find out which dosage is the best for you.

Men experience little blood flow to the penis during the day. It’s only during erections and sleep that the penis gets arterial blood flow. Daily use of Viagra can improve erectionsexternal link icon at night, therefore increasing oxygenation to your penis. Though not considered a cure for ED, it has been found that it helps get rid of penile scar tissue, which occurs as you age.

Using Viagra daily thus helps in reducing the progression of ED.

As you grow older, your prostate grows larger and makes it harder for you to urinate. Like the penis, the prostate is also a smooth muscle that may not press on the urethra when relaxed. Because Viagra relaxes body muscles, using it daily can also improve your ability to urinate.

Though many men use Viagra for genuine physical issues, others, especially young men, use them due to sexual performance anxiety. Using Viagra this way increases your dependency on it for sexual performance and, with time, can become chronic.

You should consider having a heart-to-heart conversation with your partner to understand both your sexual preferences. This will help reduce performance-related anxieties that often lead to excessive use of Viagra.

Letter W IconWhat Are the Mild Side Effects of Viagra?

The mild side effects of using viagra include headache, nausea, dizziness, back pain, skin rash, indigestion, muscle pain, and a stuffy nose. You may also have problems with your sight, like having a color tinge in your vision, blurred vision, and your eyes becoming sensitive to light.

Hot flushes, including flushes on your face, are also likely to happen.

Besides hot flushes, you might also experience a ringing in your ears associated with dizziness or have your hearing decreased. Discontinue using Viagra if you have these side effects.

Experiencing an erection that lasts over 4 hours may also happen. This prolonged erection is called priapismexternal link icon, and it hinders oxygenated blood from reaching the penile tissues; hence leading to permanent damage.

Priapism can therefore cause permanent, weakened, or complete erectile dysfunction if it’s not treated immediately. The majority of the side effects can be managed and will clear up within days or weeks.

However, visiting your doctor if side effects persist is the best choice.

Viagra Box & Blister Pack (Branded) - 50mg Dosage per Blue Pill

Letter W IconAlternatives to Viagra

As mentioned, Viagra was the first oral medication approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. However, there are other alternatives to treat and even reverse ED.

Oral Medications

Alternatives to Viagra (sildenafil) include vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn ODT), avanafil (Stendra), and tadalafil (Cialis). Branded Viagra is significantly more expensiveexternal link icon than generics, even though their effectiveness is still the same. They all improve blood flow to the penis, causing an erection that can last long enough for sexual activity.

Other Medical Treatments

Your doctor may also recommend the following depending on your situation:

Though generally safe to use, they may cause discomfort and pain if not used correctly. Testosterone injections may also be used if your doctor determines that low testosterone levels cause your ED.

Personally I’m quite the advocate of vacuum erection devices aka penis pumps, and you can find a break down of what to consider and which vacuum device i’d recommend in my list of best penis pumps.

Natural Remedies

Many products claim to treat ED, with some showing promising or mixed results. These include red ginseng (found in VigRX Plus and Max Performer), L-Arginine, and acupuncture. Since more conclusive studies are yet to be done on them, you should consult your doctor before using any of them.

Lifestyle Changes

Your lifestyle can also contribute to ED, and doing some lifestyle changes can help in treating it.

Changes you can include are:

  • Quitting smoking;
  • Having enough sleep;
  • Avoiding or reducing your alcohol intake;
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.

You can also do regular exercises, including aerobic and pelvic exercisesexternal link icon that help improve ED in the long term, whilst I’ve also put together a detailed list of yoga exercises for erectile dysfunction which are definitely worth trying out.

Letter H IconHow To Relieve the Side Effects of Viagra

You can reduce the side effects of Viagra by lowering your dose. Increased doses have been foundexternal link icon to increase the chances of side effects such as headaches. You should also keep yourself hydrated as Viagra can cause your body to lose a lot of water, more so during sex.

Switching to other ED medication can also help alleviate effects felt by particular medicines if the effects are severe. If you cannot, you may also use over-the-counter medication to relieve the side effects.

Letter W IconWrapping Up

As we’ve established throughout the article, Viagra is popular for a number of reasons like effectiveness, ease of availability, and its ability to treat ED. But although the drug is FDA-approved and readily available, it should only be used for erectile dysfunction-related reasons.

Becoming dependent on the drug can lead to erectile dysfunction issues along the line, hence the need to always consult your doctor before usage.

This Content Was Written By...

Author & Site Owner | Website

Chris is the owner and creator of Penis Enlargement Resource. He has years of knowledge in the male enhancement niche and has tested and assessed numerous products over the years.


This entry was posted in Knowledge by Chris Sabian. Bookmark the permalink.

Chris Sabian Author & Site Owner

Avatar of Chris Sabian

So I’m Chris Sabian, the creator and owner of the Penis Enlargement Resource website.

Now I’m going to be honest, I’m actually really happy with the size of my penis – i’ve never had any complaints, and it works exactly how it’s meant to.

That said however, I have worked for various companies and businesses within the men’s sexual health niche – it’s from these years of experience actually working on a number of different products that i have an absolute wealth of knowledge on what does and doesn’t work.

Yes natural penis enlargement IS possible but the amount of bullshit out there is phenomenal.

In some cases, even doctors don’t know what is truly possible, with many (especially in the US) simply prescribing treatment options that are the most profitable for their clinics!

The number of times I’ve seen adverts online for this miracle cure for erectile dysfunction, or a product claiming to give you 3 more inches in less than a month really does play in to the unrealistic and misguided view point of so many and that is why i created Penis Enlargement Resource – to stop the scare mongering and provide a completely unbiased view point on every product that passes my desk.

Yes! Every product i review i actually have possession of – i’m not simply writing reviews based on other generic online content, so if your reading a review and can’t see any unique photos or videos, chances are it’s just an affiliate marketer trying to make a quick buck off your insecurities.

So take a step back, read the articles I’ve written and see which products I’d REALLY recommend, so you can take that first step towards making your penis bigger, stronger or harder.

The journey to natural penis enlargement is not a fast process, it is not an easy process… but if you stick with it, i absolutely promise you, it IS possible.

Chris

This Content Was Written By...

Author & Site Owner | Website

Chris is the owner and creator of Penis Enlargement Resource. He has years of knowledge in the male enhancement niche and has tested and assessed numerous products over the years.

Content By This Author...

Questions & Comments

No Comments yet!

Your Email address will not be published.