When was erectile dysfunction discovered

Many doctors especially urologists discuss these issues with men and their partners on a daily basis. I try to make the discussion as comfortable as possible. Since there are lots of options that can help, it's definitely a conversation worth having.

Help Urgent Care. Toggle navigation. Patient Portal. Pay Bill. Resources On Your Health. Find a Location. Find a Doctor. Posted in Ask the Doctor Male Health. Subscribe Now. In the early s, sildenafil was approved as a heart medication, and it was discovered that men taking the medication were experiencing firmer, longer-lasting erections.

This led to further research on sildenafil as an erectile drug, and Pfizer unveiled Viagra in The drug exploded in popularity and now, nearly two decades later, it remains the most popular oral medication for erectile dysfunction.

Viagra has been extensively tested for safety and efficacy and continues to be the top contender in oral ED drugs. It is widely available with a prescription and also over the counter , and men now have the option to purchase Viagra online , making it even easier to get. The treatment of erectile dysfunction has come a long way from the days of potions and animal components and, for many men, life has never been better.

Read customer reviews. The more data, the better. While drug discovery does involve a lot of research and development, it also involves serendipity and spotting unusual details. This same kind of luck and vigilance could uncover new uses for existing treatments.

By providing your email, you agree to the Quartz Privacy Policy. Skip to navigation Skip to content. Discover Membership. Editions Quartz. More from Quartz About Quartz. When ED is caused by a condition such as diabetes, one of the most important things you can do is work with your doctor to manage your overall health.

Lifestyle modifications can also make a significant difference. These include:. In the United Kingdom, you can get sildenafil over the counter following consultation with a pharmacist. In the United States, ED drugs are available only by prescription. These medications are effective and fairly well tolerated. Side effects can include:. For many men, self-injected drug therapy is as effective as oral medications. These may include:. Alprostadil urethral suppositories are inserted into the urethra with a special applicator.

Side effects can include pain and minor bleeding. Testosterone replacement therapy can be prescribed if you have low testosterone. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a penis pump , which involves placing a hollow tube over the penis, then using a hand- or battery-operated pump. This creates a vacuum to get the blood flowing to the penis. A tension ring around the base of the penis helps hold the erection after you remove the device. On the other hand, ED itself can lead to or exacerbate these problems.

Therapy and medication may sometimes be necessary. However, they may not be helpful in all cases. Research on the use of external penile prostheses is lacking.