Erectile Dysfunction Prescriptions For Viagra Rise By 25% in 12 months

The number of prescriptions for Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs has gone up by more than a quarter in a year, official figures show.

Statistics released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) show that last year there were 1.7 million prescriptions for sildenafil - commonly sold as Viagra but also available under other trade names - compared with 1.4 million in 2013 and a million in 2004.

Antidepressants, which include drugs for depressive illness, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks, also saw a large increase with 57.1 million dispensed last year, up 7.2% from 53.3 million in 2013.

Since 2004 the number has nearly doubled by 97.1% from 29 million.

HSCIC said more than 1.06 billion items were prescribed in England last year, an increase of 3.3% on 2013 and a rise of 55.2% on 2004.

The overall net ingredient cost (NIC) of prescriptions last year stood at £8.85 billion, up 2.6% on 2013 and 9.6% over the last decade.

While the number of prescriptions for erectile dysfunction drugs has gone up, the cost of sildenafil fell by 85.9% as generic alternatives became available in 2013, HSCIC said.

The most money was spent on drugs for diabetes for the eighth year in succession, rising by £55.3 million (7%) in a year to £849.1 million last year.

Atorvastatin, which helps to reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, had the greatest increase in the number of items dispensed with 4 million more since 2013.

The report shows the average NIC per prescription item dispensed in the community had decreased by 29.4% since 2004.

Of all prescription items dispensed the vast majority - 89.9% (957.1 million) - were free of charge.

Three in five were for patients aged 60 and over, accounting for 51.2% (£4.53 billion) of the total NIC for all prescriptions.

One in 20 was for patients aged under 16 or 16-18 and in full-time education.

The report looks at prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists, dispensing doctors and in GP practices.

SEE ALSO:
Dr Christian: 'The Embarrassment Of Not Being Able To Perform In The Bedroom Could Be Killing Men'
Drinking Coffee Could Help End Your Erectile Dysfunction

Best Foods For Erectile Dysfunction

Nitrates in Leafy Greens and Beets(01 of06)

Leafy green vegetables, like celery and spinach, may increase circulation because of their high concentration of nitrates. Beet juice has been found to be really high in nitrates. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they open up blood vessels and increase blood flow. Many years before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first ED drug in 1998, several case reports on the beneficial effects of nitrates for erectile dysfunction had already been published. The ED drugs used today are based on the relaxing effects of nitrates on the blood vessels that supply the penis. (credit:Shutterstock)

Flavinoids in Dark Chocolate(02 of06)

A recent study in the journal Circulation found that flavonoids in dark chocolate improve circulation. That could be good for erection problems that are due to poor circulation. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring antioxidants that protect plants from toxins and help repair cell damage. Studies show that flavonoids and other antioxidants have similar effects on people. They may help lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol, both of which are factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction. (credit:Shutterstock)

Protein in Pistachios(03 of06)

A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction who ate pistachio nuts every day for three weeks experienced significant improvement in sexual issues, including ED, sexual desire, and overall sexual satisfaction. The benefits of pistachios for erection problems may be due to a protein called arginine, which may help relax blood vessels. "This is another example of how good circulation is good for sexual health, which is good news because I eat a lot of pistachios," says Dr. Daneshgari. (credit:Shutterstock)

Zinc in Oysters and Other Shellfish(04 of06)

The oyster has always had an aphrodisiac reputation. One reason may be that oysters have high levels of the mineral zinc, which plays an important role in the production of the male hormone testosterone, and low levels of testosterone could be one reason for erectile dysfunction. Research presented at an American Chemical Society meeting may offer another connection: Raw shellfish contain compounds that stimulate the release of sexual hormones in both men and women. (credit:Shutterstock)

Antioxidants in Watermelon(05 of06)

Some studies show that watermelon may have effects on erectile dysfunction that are similar to the ED drug Viagra and may also increase sexual desire. Watermelon is rich in beneficial ingredients known as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are also antioxidants. One of their benefits is that they relax the blood vessels that supply an erection. Although watermelon is 92 percent water, the other 8 percent may work wonders for your heart and your sexual enjoyment. (credit:Shutterstock)

Lycopene in Tomatoes and Grapefruit(06 of06)

Lycopene is one of those phytonutrients that is good for circulation and good for sexual issues. Lycopene is found in deep red fruits like tomatoes and grapefruits. Some studies show that lycopene may be absorbed best when mixed with oily vegetables like avocados and spinach. So you might want to make yourself an ED-fighting salad. Research also shows that antioxidants like lycopene help fight male infertility and prostate cancer. (credit:Shutterstock)

uk lifestyle uk lifestyle news Health Health News Erectile Dysfunction

Related