The Rise of Viagra: How the Little Blue Pill Changed Sex in America

by Meika Loe

The first book to details the history and social implications of the little blue pill

Since its introduction in 1998, Viagra has launched a new kind of sexual revolution. Quickly becoming one of the most sought after drugs in history, the little blue pill created a sea change within the pharmaceutical industry―from how drugs could be marketed to the types of drugs put into development―as well as the culture at large. Impotency is no longer an embarrassing male secret; now it is called “erectile dysfunction,” and is simply something to “ask your doctor” about. And over 16 million men have.

The Rise of Viagra is the first book to detail the history and the vast social implications of the Viagra phenomenon. Meika Loe argues that Viagra has changed what qualifies as normal sex in America. In the quick-fix, pill-for-everything culture that Viagra helped to create, erections can now be had by popping a pill, making sex on demand, regardless of age or infirmity, and, potentially, for the rest of one's life.

Drawing on interviews with men who take the drug, their wives, doctors and pharmacists as well as scientists and researchers in the field, this fascinating account provides an intimate history of the drug's effect on America. Loe also examines the quest for the female Viagra, the impact of the drug around the world, the introduction of new erection drugs, like Levitra and Cialis, and the rapid growth of the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry.

This wide-ranging book explains how this medical breakthrough and cultural phenomenon have forever changed the meaning of sex in America.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2004

Reviews

[Henry · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a sociologist, I was embarrassed for her. What's glaring about this book is that her conclusions have nothing whatsoever to do with her empirical data-- all of which support Viagra. Oh, one guy does confabulate and says, erroneously, that Viagra is an aphrodisiac. Everyone else is wild for the medicine, both men and women. No matter, postmodern research seems to allow pasting false conclusions over one's data- and so it is here. The vulgar notion that that which supports men's (and women's) pleasure must be part of the pharma-conspiracy ("recreational" sex be damned) is similar to the blame pharma for doctor and patient irresponsibility with opiates.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very quick read on the sociological implications behind the Viagra drug. It wasn't my favorite topic nor my favorite analysis because it seemed pretty elementary to me. For those with less background knowledge, I'm sure it would be more interesting.

[kiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

alas, viagra remains my white whale

[Tiny Pants · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't agree with the author on everything in her argument, but the information is interesting. It is also fun to dissect her word choice. I feel like every two seconds you're like, "Huh huh, huh huh, she said 'expand.'"

While the information on the sex lives of senior citizens will be pretty shocking to the under-30 set, the most amazing part is when at a urologist convention, a speaker gives a presentation on a new injectable drug for impotence, then steps from behind the podium, drops trou, and brandishes his erection at the audience (I am NOT making this up). He even goes so far as to have those lucky folks seated in the first row examine it with their hands to prove he isn't using some kind of implant, and had indeed actually just injected himself with the drug. Seriously, men and their penises. Ridiculous!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

so yea i read this for a paper i wrote- very interesting sociological view about how viagra has impacted the U.S. and the way we were suckered! it was easy- that sucked realizing it