Viagra was approved by the FDA for the treatment of sexually dysfunctional or impotent men. Viagra, unlike vasodilator drugs currently prescribed for erectile dysfunction, promotes erections only when the patient has some degree of sexual arousal. During the first large scale study of Viagra in the U.S., patients with physical and psychological problems given the drug claimed 70% success in attaining erections. These reports were verified by their partners. Patients who took the drug, but who did not become sexually aroused did not experience an erection. Most men took the drug about an hour before anticipated sexual activity. Some men reported success when taking the drug at night in expectation of sexual activity in the morning.The traditional treatment for these men includes suppositories, injections, penile implants and other procedures, many of which are painful and embarrassing.
