Record number of men prescribed Viagra and erection pills from NHS last year – with over 4.5million packs dished out
A RECORD number of men got a bedroom boost with Viagra and erection pills from the NHS last year.
Doctors dished out more than 4.5million packs of the little blue pills.
The total of 4,574,010 includes Viagra, real name sildenafil, and all other drugs, such as Cialis and Levitra, for erectile dysfunction.
It surpassed the 4.44million prescriptions in 2022 and 4.55million in 2019.
Experts think the boom is due to tumbling drug prices — as well as greater openness about sex problems.
TV pharmacist Thorrun Govind said: “Twenty years ago men wouldn’t have discussed erectile dysfunction.
“When Viagra first came out it was a bit sensational but, now there are cheaper alternatives, it is more accessible and there is less stigma.”
The figures from the NHS Business Services Authority cover subsidised prescriptions in England and do not take into account people buying over the counter.
Despite prescriptions hitting a high, the NHS bill for the drugs was cheaper than before.
Health chiefs paid £16.4million for the 4.57million packs — about £3.60 each.
In 2014 it spent £50.9million on 2.86million packs, almost £18 each.
Prices have plummeted since the original patent expired and generic versions flooded the market.
Half of men over 40 suffer to some degree with erectile disfunction.
It becomes more likely with age, while smoking, drinking, stress and being overweight can raise the risk or make the situation worse.