A RECORD number of men got a boost in the bedroom on Viagra and NHS erection pills last year.
Doctors distributed more than 4.5 million packets of little blue pills.
The total of 4,574,010 includes Viagra, real name sildenafil, and all other medications, such as Cialis and Levitra, for erectile dysfunction.
It exceeded 4.44 million prescriptions in 2022 and 4.55 million in 2019.
Experts believe the boom is due to falling drug prices – as well as greater openness about sexual problems.
TV pharmacist Thorrun Govind said: “Twenty years ago, men would not have discussed erectile dysfunction.
“When Viagra came out it was a bit of a sensation, but now there are cheaper alternatives, it’s more accessible and there’s less stigma.”
The NHS Business Services Authority figures cover subsidized prescriptions in England and do not take into account people who buy over the counter.
Despite prescriptions reaching a high value, the NHS bill for medicines was cheaper than before.
Health bosses paid £16.4 million for the 4.57 million packages – around £3.60 each.
In 2014, it spent £50.9 million on 2.86 million packages, almost £18 each.
Prices have plummeted since the original patent expired and generic versions flooded the market.
Half of men over 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction to some degree.
It becomes more likely with age, while smoking, drinking, stress and being overweight can increase the risk or make the situation worse.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
