Countless men all over the world benefit from Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra every day. The erectile dysfunction medications have enabled men who suffer from ED to enjoy sexually active lifestyles, positively impacting the quality of their relationships. The drugs have also had a surprising environmental impact, affecting endangered animals and US water supplies.

Before FDA-approved drugs were available to treat erectile dysfunction, other remedies were used to combat impotence. Sadly, some of these remedies involved eating endangered animals. Animals like the tiger and rhinoceros were heavily hunted for their penises and testicles, which were used to create concoctions for treating ED. Clinical testing has shown, however, that these remedies have absolutely no effect on erectile function.

With the arrival of Viagra, the demand for endangered animals has decreased. Unfortunately though, some manufacturers of these animal-based concoctions have been known to add Viagra’s active ingredient into their mixtures, therefore creating the illusion that the “natural” remedies are effective.

While Viagra may have had a positive impact on endangered animals, it seems to be having a negative impact on America’s water supply. The Associated Press has reported that at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals have been legally released into U.S. waterways. Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals can be found in almost every major metropolitan water supply in the country, ranging from pain medications to Viagra.

In addition to factory waste, pharmaceuticals get into the water supply via human excretion, as well as from people dumping drugs down the toilet.

The federal government doesn’t require water testing, and doesn’t have any safety limits established for drugs in water.

While people are quick to sing Viagra’s praises for its bedroom benefits, the drug’s impact on the economy draws the attention of few. As with any medication, it is simply being responsible, for your own health, and for the health of the environment, to only use legitimate, FDA-approved medication, and to properly dispose of any unused quantities. Resisting the urge to flush old medication can help to gradually decontaminate our drinking water. Additionally, buying genuine Viagra can help to save a tiger’s life, and his penis.