Erectile dysfunction is very common, causing many men stress and discomfort.
Such conditions are believed to impact 4.3 million blokes across the UK, adding up to around one in five according to a 2010 study by Kantar TNS. Only around half of these have sought medical assistance.
Those who suffer from impotence have sometimes turned to taking Viagra pills to help them have sex, however – until now – they have had to get a prescription from their GP.
Going forward, men will be able to purchase Viagra Connect over the counter, in a bid to stop those with erectile problems purchasing counterfeit, and potentially harmful, pills over the internet.
We are talking over-the-counter viagra on @BBCBreakfast this morning. The manufacturer, Pfizer, were actually working on a new drug for chest infections in the 1990s when it had unexpected side-effects! Viagra was born.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) March 27, 2018
Viagra Connect will now be available at 14,000 stores throughout Britain as well as through pharmacy websites.You will have to be over the age of 18 to purchase the pills, which cost £19.99 for a four-pack and £34.99 for an eight pack.
Until April 10, the pills will be exclusively available from Boots. However, after this date they will go on general sale at various pharmacists.
In a statement, medical manager for Viagra Connect manufacturer Pfizer, Kristie Sourial MRPharmS, spoke about the extent to which erectile problems can affect a person’s wellbeing:
The launch of Viagra Connect offers men a new and convenient route of access to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction
It’s important to remember that erectile dysfunction is a medical condition and that the impact often goes beyond the physical symptoms – it can lead to men feeling anxious, depressed and lacking in confidence.
Sourial added:
Our hope is that the availability of Viagra Connect in pharmacies will encourage men who do nothing about their erectile dysfunction to seek help, and encourage those who are inclined to seek help to do so sooner.
Find out more about the issues surrounding men’s health below:
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The pill should be taken about one hour before you have sex, and you should ensure not to have more than one 50mg pill a day.
Of course, this is serious medication and should be treated as such; with caution being advised. Men with severe heart or blood vessel issues will not be sold these pills.
Those who become extremely breathless or who get chest pain while participating in light exercise – for example, scaling two flights of stairs – are advised against taking these pills.
And those who experience side effects – which include prolonged and/or painful erections – should consult a medical professional immediately.
Therefore, those wishing to purchase the pills will need to answer some questions from a pharmacist or else complete a brief online questionnaire.
If you prefer, you can ask to speak to the pharmacist in the privacy of a consultation room. A physical examination will not be required, and you will not be quizzed about personal matters such as your sex life.
However, the pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, overall health, and will want to know about any other medications you are taking.
#5liveYourCall: Have you struggled with erectile dysfunction?
?: 08085 909 693
?: 85058 pic.twitter.com/TTtyulZi68— BBC Radio 5 live (@bbc5live) March 27, 2018
If you are a man who is worried about his health, don’t suffer in silence. For more information and support, visit the Men’s Health Forum website.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.