How a Little Blue Pill Changed the World Viagra (sildenafil) is one of the most widely-known prescription drug names on the U.S. market.To get more news about vigrx plus price, you can visit vigrxplus-original.com official website. Often dubbed "the little blue pill", Viagra (sildenafil) was the first phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a common sexual problem for men and its frequency increases with age. It is estimated roughly 30 million men in the U.S. have ED. A large U.S. survey determined about 50% of men 40 to 70 years of age experience some degree of ED. Men with diabetes are 3 times more likely to have ED. At the time of its approval, Viagra had the fastest initial sales growth following its launch of any prescription product, reaching 2008 sales of close to $2 billion. Pfizer promoted Viagra and ED awareness via direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, which prompted men to seek medical advice and a prescription from their doctors. For many men, the stigma and embarrassment of talking to their doctor about ED has declined since the introduction of Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors. Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to achieve and maintain an erect penis for sexual function, can lead to performance anxiety, a negative impact on self-esteem and personal relationships, and even clinical depression. In a survey published in BMJ, 62 percent of men reported a decline in self esteem, 29 percent reported a negative effect on a relationship, and 21 percent reported that their relationship had ceased due to ED. For many men, the inability to perform adequately during sex directly affects their feelings of masculinity. Just the Basic Facts: How Viagra Works Viagra works in response to sexual stimulation to increase the blood flow to the penis leading to an erection. Viagra does not result in an erection without sexual stimulation. When a man is aroused, muscles in the penis relax to allow greater blood flow. Viagra helps to elevate the levels of a substance known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (or cGMP) that causes the tissues to relax, leads to an inflow of blood, and causes an erection with sexual stimulation. Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis, Levitra (brand discontinued), Stendra and Staxyn treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but do not directly increase a man's sexual desire.