From the NYTimes:30 million men in U.S. experience erectile dysfunction (ED), 30% of men in their 50s, more than 50% of those in their 60s.
One Viagra pill, the most common way to treat erection problems, costs about $15. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra do not work for about half of the men with ED.
After 2 years of significant lifestyle changes (and no meds), 58% of the men with ED had normal erectile function.
Self-administered injections of alprostadil for ED cost $35; a "cocktail" of alprostadil, papaverine, phentolamine.
References:
For Common Male Problem, Hope Beyond a Pill. NYTimes.
Erectile Dysfunction Medications Related to Transient Amnesia, FDA Warns
Men who use ED drugs have higher rates of STDs, particularly HIV infection - Ann Intern Med http://goo.gl/UH78
ED, Depression, Heart Disease: Does the Existence of One Component of This Triad Necessitate Inquiring the Other Two? http://goo.gl/EKvKl
Image source: Viagra (sildenafil), Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License.
Image source: Viagra (sildenafil), Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License.
