Sometimes, no matter how hard you try in the bedroom, the erection just doesn’t want to happen.
It’s sometimes considered a relatively taboo subject, but erectile dysfunction is actually much more common than you might think – and it doesn’t need to dim your shine.
More than half of men have admitted to experiencing it (58.2%), while just over a quarter (27.3%) say it’s cropped up during more than half of their sexual encounters. Hey, no stigma.
Now, new research has revealed the top prescription hotspots for erectile dysfunction – and it shows that men in the East Riding of Yorkshire are coming out on top.
Here, 3.5% of the local population are taking sildenafil on the NHS (also known under the brand names Viagra, Aronix, Liberize and Nipatra).
Northumberland came in second place at 3.3%, while Dorset was ever so slightly behind at 3.2%. Up in Lancashire, Fylde and Wyre residents rank at 3.2%, as do the people of North Yorkshire.
‘NHS provision of this treatment can vary from region to region, as can the ratio of underlying disease, which probably explains some of the differences,’ consultant urologist Gordon Muir, of London Bridge Hospital, told The Sun of the NHS data.
How and where can I get sildenafil?
Sildenafil was first discovered by scientists at Pfizer in 1989, who at the time were working to create a treatment for angina (tightness in the chest). After various clinical trials, it was patented in 1996 and approved for use in both the UK and the US in 1998.
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These days, sildenafil is prescribed for those experiencing either erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs), both by the NHS and private medical providers.
However, Viagra mostly isn’t available on the NHS, though exceptions are sometimes made for ‘special circumstances.’
It’s worth noting that sildenafil isn’t just available on prescription, as it’s also possible to pay for it at the pharmacy. You’ll need to discuss your symptoms with them, and they’ll then assess whether it’s safe for you to take it.
How can I strengthen my erection without taking sildenafil?
Thinking about alternative ways to make your erection stronger? As Dr Jeff Foster, men’s health specialist and advisor to proven ED topical gel Eroxon, previously told Metro, the little blue pill isn’t the only option: a few simple lifestyle swaps might be just the ticket.
Regular exercise can also help, particularly workouts to strengthen the pelvic floor and prevent erectile dysfunction, which strengthen the muscles needed to get hard.
Likewise, the more aerobic exercises you do – any form of physical activity that increases your heart rate and how much oxygen your body uses, like running, brisk walking or swimming – the more blood flow to your penis, and the harder the erection.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking sildenafil (Viagra) if you:
Have ever had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or any other medicine
Are taking medicines called nitrates for chest pain (angina)
Have a serious heart or liver problem
Have recently had a stroke, heart attack or a heart problem – your doctor should carefully check whether your heart can take the additional strain of having sex
Have low blood pressure (hypotension)
Have a rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa
Have sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells), leukaemia (cancer of blood cells) or multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow)
Have a deformity of your penis or Peyronie’s disease (curved penis)
Have a stomach ulcer
Have a bleeding problem like haemophilia.
Improving your diet can similarly go a long way.
In 2018, a study published in Andrology concluded that men aged between 18 and 40 who consumed dietary flavones (a compound in food found in fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee) experienced a positive impact on improving erectile dysfunction and soft erections.
Not resting enough? Poor sleep can similarly cause ED or soft erections, either through reduced testosterone levels or just straight up tiredness.
A 2023 study of male students found that those with poor sleep quality had a 59.9% higher prevalence of mild ED and a 19% prevalence of moderate ED, compared to those with good sleep quality.
So, if you’re not sleeping well, it’s worth following the 3-2-1 rule to level up your sex life. For three hours before bed, try to avoid consuming food and alcohol, and instead stick to water or herbal tea. Peppermint brew, anyone?
Then, two hours before, stop working and avoid any strenuous exercise. One hour before, shut off the screens (including your phone) and dim the lights. Hello, multiple tiny lamps.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
