Male erectile dysfunction, once a subject that was never discussed in public and rarely even brought up between patient and doctor, has now become one of the hottest topics both in medical/pharmaceutical communities and in the general media. Leading the way are the advertisements for Viagra (the trade name for oral sildenafil). In spite of all of the hype surrounding this medication, key issues remain. One: is Viagra truly as effective and safe as claimed? And two: is Viagra really the first choice of treatment for men who have reported erectile dysfunction issues?
In a recent study carried out in England, researchers set out to evaluate the impact of this drug on subjects who reported symptoms consistent with erectile dysfunction. The team of researchers, led by Dr. Krishnamurthy Sairam, observed individuals seeking erectile dysfunction treatment at a local general hospital.
Sairam acknowledged that medical science had made advances in hormonal therapies, utilizing formulations such as prostaglandin and papverine. The potential of adverse side effects, however, prompted the development of additional protocols. Viagra was a direct response to this need. Although Viagra’s effectiveness was established clinically, this study investigated how the drug was viewed in an open environment.
The Research
The team followed a group of 147 men who, through the National Health Service (NHS) were identified as candidates for the therapy. Of this number, 117 individuals were found suitable for participation, given other health issues. Based on subjective responses from the individuals, factors such the effectiveness of the medication, safety of use, side effects, satisfaction of the patient, and even the willingness to pay for the formula, Sairam’s team developed a statistical model reflecting acceptance and efficacy factors.
The Results
Following the test period, the researchers found that 91 percent of those individuals who had taken the drug reported successful results; even more significant was that 80 percent indicated their willingness to continue with the medication. Side effects reported were minimal and many of the patients who had reported issues on their first follow up visit responded that those problems had stopped by the second visit. Willingness or reluctance to pay for the compound did not appear to be of statistical significance.
This research shows that the use of oral sildenafil, beyond the controlled environment of a clinical trial, is both effective and well accepted as a means of dealing with erectile dysfunction. Studies of this sort will have an impact on both the medical practitioner who is considering prescribing it and on government agencies that deal with larger social and economic issues concerning the drug’s preference as a treatment.
