March 27, 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States granted Viagra's approval. Today, that anniversary is known as International Viagra Day. Various men's health advocacy groups and media outlets have used the occasion to discuss erectile dysfunction (ED), highlight new research, and reduce the stigma surrounding men's health issues.

Viagra — the little blue pill spearheading the conversation around men's intimate health — remains one of the most recognizable prescription drugs in modern medicine. Here's a closer look at its origins, how it works, and why it continues to stand out in the global marketplace.

THE OOPS THAT CREATED OH YEAH!

Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a compound initially studied in the early 1990s by scientists at Pfizer's research facility in Sandwich, England. Andrew Bell, David Brown, and Nicholas Terrett formed the team that discovered sildenafil. The researchers were investigating its potential as a treatment for angina (a heart condition) when volunteers in clinical trials reported an unexpected side effect: it helped men with physical intimacy.

While sildenafil wasn't the effective heart medication Pfizer hoped it would be, it showed promise in treating what was then a sensitive, often-hidden issue of ED.

Viagra was the first oral medication expressly indicated for ED. Almost immediately, the world's XY population embraced the drug as a breakthrough therapy. By the early 2000s, Viagra had become a cultural phenomenon, referenced by everyone from late-night talk show hosts to sitcom writers.

From a business standpoint, Viagra's success was swift and sizable.

Throughout the early 2000s, its sales soared, surpassing $1 billion annually at their peak. In a global market for ED drugs estimated in the billions of dollars, Viagra's brand recognition has helped Pfizer retain a large share, even as generic versions and competitor medications have entered the scene.

WHY VIAGRA MATTERS TO MEN

Viagra gave millions of men a non-invasive option to address ED — a condition that can stem from aging, cardiovascular issues,
diabetes, stress, or psychological factors. The ability to restore intimate satisfaction has had profound impacts on self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life. As a result, Viagra quickly became synonymous with hope for men facing ED, opening up conversations about masculine health in ways that were once considered taboo.

HOW VIAGRA WORKS

Classified as a PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil citrate blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which assists in regulating blood flow in the male membrane. By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra relaxes blood vessels, improving blood circulation to specific areas of the body. When arousal occurs, this relaxed state allows more blood to flow into the area, elevating the region in ways beneficial to the results sought.

Viagra is sold worldwide, with the United States accounting for a significant share of the prescription market. High awareness, direct-to-consumer advertising, and insurance coverage for ED medications (in some cases) have all contributed to robust sales in the country. Other significant markets include Europe (notably the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy) and parts of Asia, where regulatory approvals and cultural acceptance of these treatments have grown.

Viagra's meteoric rise from a failed heart medication to a top-selling prescription drug represents one of the pharmaceutical industry's most enduring success stories. Twenty-five plus years after its approval, Viagra continues to shape conversations about men's health and enrich the lives of men globally.

Africa

Mar

Vietnam Veteran's Day (1973): March 29

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March 29, 1973, is the anniversary of the day the last official US troops left Vietnam, eleven years after the beginning of the war—conflict. War was never officially declared. During those 11 years, over 58,000 Americans lost their life. Each name is commemorated in black marble at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. The Vietnam War forever changed American culture. It was the first prolonged conflict that was never won or lost and was hugely unpopular with the American public. It defined the 1960s, gave birth to the hippy movement, and ushered in the drug culture. It continues to plague many who lived through it on both sides, physically and psychologically. An estimated two million civilians and 1.1 million fighters for the Vietnamese also lost their lives. This day is set aside by Presidential Proclamation each year to honor the men and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam war.

Africa

Mar

VO (Voiceover) Day, Ntl.: March 15

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Video games, cartoons, documentaries, and commercials, are just some of the media that use voiceover talent. Voiceover or VO is acting in which everything is done with the voice. We don't see the actor, but we hear his/her words, emotion, and passion in what or how he/she says what they say. National VO Day is about celebrating these talented people and appreciating their work.

Africa

Mar

Waffle Day, Intl. (SE): March 25

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International Waffle Day is a Swedish event that marks the Our Lady's Day (Vårfrudagen in Swedish, which sounds like a waffle, thus waffle day). Our Lady's Day is the lay term for the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin, and it is the day the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she would conceive the Messiah in the Christian faith. Though not usually associated with faith anymore in Sweden, the day continues to be celebrated as waffle day within the nation and elsewhere in the world.

Africa

Mar

Walk in the Park Day: March 30

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Cherry blossoms, early spring flowers, melting snow, and birds a twitter, what better time of year to get out of the winter doldrums and reconnect with nature? That may be the reason someone dubbed this day Take a Walk in the Park Day. Who that was, we may never know. However, it is a great idea. Give it a try.

Africa

Mar

Walk in the Sand Day: March 22

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Walk in the Sand Day is an effort to focus on shore erosion and the necessity of safeguarding our beaches for today and the future. Everyone is encouraged to head to a beach (or sandbox if you're too far from the ocean) and walk for an hour barefoot in the sand. Consider the importance of breaches to the environment, life, and commerce.

Africa

Mar

Water Day, World: March 22

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World Water Day is led by UN-Water, focusing on water conservation and use, blending the natural and social sciences, education, culture, and communication. Contrary to popular belief, the most valuable natural resource in the Middle East is water, not oil. People can live without oil. Nothing lives without water. Control of rivers and aquifers underlies the conflicts in the region and has for centuries. Religion is the excuse used to mobilize and conscript. Water is a primary reason. The Middle East is simply a microcosm of the global issues surrounding water. Water is essential to poverty reduction and equity. It creates economic benefits, helps preserve all natural resources, and safe, secure access to water builds peace. World Water Day is devoted to caring for this precious natural resource and educating the world on its need and conservation.

Africa

Mar

Wedding Proposal Day (Spring): March 20

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Twice a year, Proposal Day® falls on the equinox, generating worldwide discussion among eligible singles seeking marriage. The day allows singles to press the issue if so inclined. For those not ready to marry, this day also supports rescue animals in shelters. If you're not prepared to propose, you're encouraged to add to your family by adopting an animal. Not just dogs and cats but rabbits, birds, and other animals often find their way into shelters too. Can't have pets? Try a fish! Created and trademarked by John Michael O'Loughlin. The event is no longer sponsored, but continues as an internet tradition.

Africa

Mar

Weed Appreciation Day (Plant): March 28

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Weed Appreciation Day is about looking at the plants within your yard that aren't wanted. Some are native to the area, and others may be invasive species that rob the soil and steal nutrients. Of the more than 200,000 plant species known to man, approximately 8,000 are classified as weeds. Often, it just depends on where they are as to how they are perceived. For some people, the wild blackberry plant is a weed; for others, it is a valuable fruit. Asparagus was once thought of as a weed until Ziryab (Abu l-Hasan 'Ali Ibn Nafi) introduced it to the court of Andalusia in the eighth century AD as a delicacy and part of a three-course meal (something else he invented). Bamboo is considered a weed for many, but it is also an essential building tool and food in many parts of the world. Watercress is another weed that is now a cash crop. Take a look at what you have in your yard. Perhaps there are ways to work with nature rather than against it, and that is what Weed Appreciation Day is all about!

Africa

Mar

Wheelchair Day, Intl.(1922/1929): March 1

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International Wheelchair Day began with Steve Wilkinson in 2008 as a way to celebrate people that live in wheelchairs and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Annually on March 1, it's on his late mother's birthday in 1929—and singer Michael Flanders, born March 1, 1922. Flanders depended upon a wheelchair after contracting polio in 1943. Wheelchairs originated in ancient civilizations. Rolling beds and chairs with wheels transported those with difficulty walking or standing. However, the modern wheelchair as we know it today did not begin to take shape until the 19th century. The first patent for a self-propelled wheelchair was filed in 1869 by Stephen Farfler, a wheelchair user. Farfler's design was a three-wheeled chair that the user could propel. It included a hand-operated brake and steering mechanism, an essential development in wheelchairs, as it allowed autonomous movement and control. In the early 20th century, improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques led to the development of more lightweight and maneuverable wheelchairs. New designs were comfortable, including adjustable footrests and armrests, padded seats and backrests, and improved suspension systems. During World War II, the need for mobility devices for wounded soldiers led to further advancements in wheelchair design. New materials, including lightweight metals and plastics, made it possible to create wheelchairs that were both durable and easy to transport. Wheelchair design continued to evolve, with new features and technologies that improved the comfort, safety, and mobility of wheelchair users. Electric-powered wheelchairs arrived in the 1950s. In recent years, new materials and technologies such as carbon fiber and 3D printing have created increasingly lighter, more durable, and customizable wheelchair designs. Today, wheelchairs are an essential tool for millions of people worldwide with mobility impairments. People of all ages and backgrounds use them, and they play a crucial role in enabling people with disabilities to live independent, active, and fulfilling lives.

Africa

Mar

White Chocolate Cheesecake Day, Ntl.: March 6

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Each year in early March, we celebrate National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day. This ancient dessert initially used just cheese, honey, and flour. Over the centuries, the recipe has evolved to include cream cheese, fresh cheese, graham crackers, and sugar. The first known cheesecakes date back to 776 BC when Olympic athletes were given cheesecakes to re-energize them before competing. Today, cheesecake is one of the most beloved desserts in the world.

Africa

Mar

White Day (JP/CN/KR): March 14

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WHITE DAY

Valentine's Day 2.0

On White Day, men across Japan, South Korea, and parts of China mark White Day, a reciprocal celebration similar to Valentine's Day. While Valentine's Day in these regions traditionally sees women presenting chocolates and gifts to men, White Day reverses the roles: men offer return presents—often white-themed confections or small tokens of affection—to the women who remembered them a month earlier. These gifts range from cookies and candy to jewelry, reflecting affection and gratitude.

The holiday originated in Japan in the late 1970s, reportedly sparked by a marshmallow manufacturer's marketing campaign. The idea quickly took root, evolving into a nationwide custom. White Day spread beyond Japan's borders in the following decades, particularly to South Korea and China. Stores begin displaying pastel-colored sweets and heart-shaped merchandise well in advance, and couples often use the day to enjoy dinners out or exchange more personalized gifts.

For many in East Asia, White Day underscores the mutuality of relationships—building on February's romantic gestures by offering a second opportunity to celebrate love and appreciation in springtime.

Africa

Mar

Wildlife Day, World (1973): March 3

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December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 World Wildlife Day. The day falls on the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973.

Africa

Mar

Will Eisner Week (1917): March 1-7

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THE FATHER OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

WILL EISNER

Will Eisner Week is an annual celebration promoting comics, graphic novel literacy, free speech, and the legacy of Will Eisner (March 6, 1917 - January 3, 2005). Eisner pioneered the use of graphic novels to teach complex subjects. He's best known for "The Spirit" (the 1940s), "A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories" (1978), and "The Plot: The Secret Story of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" (2005). This week, which includes his birthday, honors his contributions to the graphic novel—annually celebrated since 2010.

Africa

Mar

Women in Construction Week: March 2-8

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Women in Construction (WIC) Week highlights women's contribution to the construction industry. The week raises awareness of the opportunities available to women in the construction industry and emphasizes the growing role of women in the industry.

Africa