Pharmacists are reporting a surge in demand for Viagra, the clinically approved treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), after the BBC drama Men Up was aired over the festive season. Wales Online reports that online searches to buy Viagra have doubled since the end of December, while sales are up 13% compared to the same period last year.
The drama tells the story of the world’s first clinical trial for the popular ED treatment, which took place in Swansea in 1994. The drug was originally developed to treat heart conditions, but the results were unsatisfactory. However, a number of men taking part in clinical trials began reporting frequent erections as a side effect, leading to its repurposing for ED.
The drama focuses on the emotional impact that ED has on the lives of the men involved in the trial, whether they are married, single, straight or gay. In the era that the trial took place, discussing men’s sexual problems was considered taboo except in a joking or mocking fashion, so the eventual outcome of the story is very moving.
Although some progress has been made in social attitudes, many men are still unwilling to talk about ED with friends, partners, or medical professionals. This is despite the fact that it’s a very common problem, affecting around half of men in the UK over the age of 40. It also affects younger men, particularly those who are under stress or feeling tired.
Not discussing ED can create feelings of rejection or resentment for the partners of men in relationships, and cause social isolation and sadness for single men who are afraid of starting a new sexual relationship. Furthermore, it can mean that other more serious health issues are going undiagnosed.
Can erection problems be prevented?
They say that prevention is better than cure, and there are plenty of steps men can take to stay in great sexual shape. In younger men, ED is most often caused by emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression. This may be because of relationship problems or worries about career or finances, or issues about weight or appearance.
ED can also be caused by drinking too much alcohol or simply by being fatigued and in need of some rest. Unfortunately, a lot of men have been raised not to talk about their feelings for fear of appearing weak or out of control.
This can create a vicious cycle of depression prolonging the recovery, and it can be difficult to establish whether ED is the result or the cause of a mental health problem. In either case, it’s strongly recommended to talk to a medical professional and discuss treatment options.
In older men, ED is more likely to be caused by physical health problems. Often these are very treatable conditions, and can be vastly improved by sensible lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stopping smoking. Occasionally, ED may be the sign of a problem that requires urgent attention, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
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