John F. is a 46-year-old male with a great sense of humor. He loves to ski, works hard, and is a doting father to three kids. He loves his wife fiercely, and sometimes, like many males worldwide, the 46-year-old has erectile dysfunction (ED).
John first encountered symptoms in 2018. After experiencing performance difficulties for a few weeks, he visited his doctor, who immediately prescribed sildenafil, the generic form of Viagra, and it improved John’s sex life. We sat with the North California resident to learn more about his journey with ED.
How long were you experiencing ED symptoms before seeking treatment?
John: Not long. My wife and I went to a wedding in Seattle 2 or 3 years ago. We were excited to go because my mother-in-law was watching the kids. The second night, we decided to take advantage of being alone, and, in the moment, I couldn’t perform. I thought maybe it had to do with partying the night before. That was the first time it was noticeable. The same thing happened a few more times after that, and then I thought, “Hey, what’s going on here?”
ED prevalence
Around 52% of men in the United States between ages 40 and 70 years may experience erectile dysfunction. Additionally, around 30–50 million men in the United States and around 150 million men worldwide have the condition.
What was it like to visit a doctor about ED?
John: It was totally uneventful, part of my regular checkup. Toward the end of the meeting, I told my doctor that my penis wasn’t doing what it should be doing. My doctor is 4–5 years older than I am, and when I gave him more details, he agreed something was going on. He wrote a sildenafil (Viagra) prescription, and that was it.
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Start consult nowDid the doctor say the ED is linked to an underlying health condition?
John: No, he didn’t. I assumed it was due to alcohol and being overweight and tired. He said it could be been one of those things, some of those things, or none of those things. There’s no shame and I’m not embarrassed by anything. I was just glad to have something that could help.
What was your actual prescription?
John: I got five sildenafil (Viagra) pills. They were $25 each, and I didn’t know why he was giving me just five tablets. I asked, “Is this good until Friday or good for 6 months?” The doctor told me it was up to me to decide.
Prescriptions and costs
The recommended dosage for sildenafil (Viagra) is usually 50 milligrams (mg), taken between 1 and 4 hours before sex. You should take no more than one dose per day.
Although costs can fluctuate, the table below shows estimated ED medication costs when you use the Optum Perks Discount Card.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
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Get free cardHow has your experience with sildenafil (Viagra) been so far?
John: It’s definitely made a difference. Even before the pandemic, my wife and I worked from home. She works upstairs, and I work in the dining room. I have two computers and Skype chats open all day.
Sometimes, we have a few moments to spare, and it’s great. I also don’t need the pills all the time. Sometimes, everything works fine on its own.
Are there any surprises with sildenafil (Viagra), good or bad?
John: In terms of intimacy, I think the whole experience has made me a little more emotional. Before this, I was very transactional with sex. Now, I feel differently, and I’m really enjoying it. Afterward, I think to myself, “I just had an intimate experience with the person that I want to walk through life with.”
Did you experience any sildenafil (Viagra) side effects?
John: The first time I took a pill, I didn’t like the way my head felt. I had a strange swimming sensation. But the medication did what it was supposed to do. The sensation in my head still happens, but only after sex, so it doesn’t ruin the experience.
Learn more about the common side effects of sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).
What do you want other guys to know about using sildenafil (Viagra)?
John: There’s no shame in any of this. It is what it is. I’m also taking medication for cholesterol and gout. ED is just another condition I have to manage.
How does your partner feel about this experience?
John: My wife’s been super supportive. She never judges me. A lot of the time, we can have sex without the pills. And when I have to take a pill, it’s no big deal.
Did you know that different pharmacies charge different prices for the same prescription? Find the best deal near you with the Optum Perks app. Just download it, type in your medication, and use or save the coupon.
Summary
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a common ED medication, and if you use a prescription discount card, like the one Optum Perks offers, you may save on associated costs.
ED is a very common condition, affecting many males over the age of 40 years old, and its prevalence increases with age.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ED, it is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional. They can advise you on the best treatment for your individual needs and investigate any underlying conditions.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
