The drug which is well known today as Viagra (or sildenafil citrate) and used to treat erectile dysfunction was actually discovered by mistake. Pfizer was having little success testing sildenafil citrate’s ability to treat angina, when they made a curious discovery. Many of the men participating in the clinical trials found that a side effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) was that they could achieve or sustain fuller erections. Needless to say, the drug quickly became the fastest selling and most popular erectile dysfunction drug in history with millions of men running out to buy Viagra online or at their local pharmacy.

To fully understand the effects of Viagra and its generic counterpart sildenafil citrate, we must first understand the condition it treats – erectile dysfunction, or impotence. Erectile dysfunction affects half of men over the age of 40, and is a condition wherein a man has difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection long enough for healthy sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by both physical and psychological factors. Diabetic men and men who have undergone various surgeries become more prone to the condition. Moreover, men with low self-esteem or depression often suffer from impotence as well. Erectile dysfunction can lead to further psychological effects such as a feeling of inadequacy or lower self-esteem. Generic Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is proven to treat both in many cases, and enjoys an ever-burgeoning popularity.

The drug UK-92480 was first tested in 1996, and was on the market by 1998. Today, Viagra and its counterparts make up the most advertised prescription drugs in history. How does this affect the American social climate? If a commercial can freely discuss erections, sexual satisfaction, and sexual inadequacy or erectile dysfunction; then sex isn’t as taboo of an issue anymore. If a lack of sex can cause clinical depression comparably to the death of a loved one, then sex is obviously becoming increasingly important to many couples.

Another important question raised involves Viagra’s effect on women. Obviously, women can be happier if they enjoy a healthier sex life. However, when will there be a ‘female Viagra?’ It seems that many of the companies have overlooked the potential of such a chemical. It’s possible that they believe women would not be as interested in increasing their sexual pleasure as men would. Men have always been more concerned about sexual adequacy and ability. However, with the rise of birth control, abortions, and other feminist triumphs, shouldn’t women be protesting for a female Viagra? It only makes sense that a female counterpart should come soon after Viagra’s initial release.

Viagra, in its name-brand form, is often expensive and reserved to the highest echelon of wage-earners. Do less-privileged people deserve to experience the positive benefits of this seemingly miracle drug? Although drug costs routinely fall after they have been on the market for a while, brand-name Viagra prices remain high. Lately, however, the growing use of the Internet to purchase prescription medications has increased competition and made buying cheap Viagra online an option for many who would otherwise be unable to buy Viagra. As such, buying Viagra online has become a topic of constant debate. With numerous accredited pharmacies availing the public to Viagra online, the drug can now be purchased discretely and cheaply. Cheap Viagra is becoming available to an increasingly large audience because of the internet as well as because of reduced production costs. However, consumers must beware of deals that seem too good to be true often are.

When buying Viagra online, consumers must be sure they know what they are getting for their money. Whether consumers wish to purchase Viagra online or sildenafil citrate, they must be informed. Be sure that you know whether your online Viagra order is for the generic or name-brand version – only then can you be sure you are getting a good deal. Furthermore, buying Viagra online should only be with the consent of your physician and from a trustworthy pharmacy.