Penis pump and Viagra prescriptions soar as NHS spends over £20MILLION helping blokes with erectile dysfunction
BIG RISE Penis pump and Viagra prescriptions soar as NHS spends over £20MILLION helping blokes with erectile dysfunction
DOCTORS prescribed a record number of bedroom aids for blokes such as penis pumps and Viagra last year, figures show.
The NHS in England alone spent more than £20million helping men dealing with erectile dysfunction.
Advertisement
1
Doctors prescribed a record number of bedroom aids for blokes such as penis pumps and Viagra last year
Credit: Alamy
A total of 24,231 erection devices, including vacuum pumps — as seen in 1997 comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery — and constriction rings were prescribed in 2024/25, the NHS Business Services Authority revealed.
That was up by 10,000 on a decade ago.
And the £2.8million cost has doubled since 2015.
Meanwhile, prescriptions for drugs such as Viagra and Cialis reached 4.7million — up 100,000 on the year before — with a cost of £17.6million.
Advertisement
The NHS said erection problems are 'very common' in men over 40 and become more likely with age and illness.
A spokesman added: 'Effective erectile dysfunction treatment is important for both sexual and mental well-being.'
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said the pumps were a useful option for people who cannot be prescribed Viagra.
She said: 'Viagra and Cialis interact with medicines used to treat angina and certain blood pressure medicines so alternatives are available, including pumps, where taking them is unsuitable.'
Advertisement
The findings come days after actress Dame Emma Thompson suggested sex should be prescribed on the NHS.
She spoke out at a a screening of her 2022 film Good Luck To You, Leo Grande — in which she plays a widow who hires a sex worker.
Bionic willies on the rise as more than 500 men with severe erectile dysfunction have £8,000 NHS operation
Dame Emma, 66, said: 'You need sex because it's part of our health plan, if you like.
'It should really be on the NHS.
Advertisement
'It's so good for you.'
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
7 minutes ago
- Reuters
UK's Assura's chairman steps down amid PHP takeover
Aug 19 (Reuters) - British healthcare real estate investor Assura (AGRP.L), opens new tab said on Tuesday Ed Smith has stepped down as chairman of the board after seven years in the role and would be replaced by senior non-executive director Jonathan Davies. Smith's departure comes just a week after Primary Health Properties (PHP.L), opens new tab won a heated $2.4 billion takeover battle for Assura. Davies currently serves as the deputy CEO of restaurants operator SSP Group (SSPG.L), opens new tab.
The Sun
7 minutes ago
- The Sun
I shed more than 3st on Mounjaro – I love my new body but wasn't prepared for my hair to fall out in clumps
AFTER dropping more than 3 stone in less than seven months, Nour Mansour was thrilled by the effects of Mounjaro. The 28-year-old mum had struggled with her weight since the birth of her twin daughters, now four, and was chuffed with the confidence boost. 2 2 But six months into the journey, Nour noticed a disturbing side effect. Her hair, which was once full and falling nearly to her hips, began shedding at a rate that was alarming. ''I'd run my hands through my hair and clumps would fall out,'' the administration assistant told Mail Online. The mum-of-two was horrified when she realised her once-long tresses went from '' glossy and thick to dry and frizzy''. The temples, she shared, were also thinning, and to cover it up Nour was wearing caps and headbands all the time. Many women have reported hair thinning or shedding as a side effect of rapid weight loss or hormonal changes on medications such as Mounjaro. However, experts believe the medication does not cause the problem. Dr David Fenton, consultant dermatologist at OneWelbeck and a world-renowned hair loss specialist, told the publication: ''Rapid weight loss or sudden dietary changes can leave people deficient in the nutrients essential for healthy hair growth. ''These include iron, vitamin B12, folate, zinc and vitamin D. When users lose their appetite and start eating less, they risk missing out on key vitamins.'' A lack of protein can also be a factor, the expert warned, as hair is primarily made from keratin – a tough, fibrous protein that is a key structural component of hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin. Without enough, the tresses start to become weak and brittle. There have also been other side effects seen in GLP-1 users - brittle fingernails and slowed nail growth - both of which have been linked to these deficiencies. Dr David Strain, a diabetes expert at Exeter Medical School, explained that during trials, closely-monitored participants are kept on a nutrient-rich diet. However, in the real world, many simply don't know how to meet their nutritional needs or what supplements they might require for good health. Dr Fenton advised that if you're concerned about hair loss you should consider a blood test, particularly if you're vegan and vegetarian. Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. If you want to boost your iron, it's worth upping your intake of red meat, dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, nuts and seafood. Meanwhile, dairy, such as yoghurt and kefir, eggs and wholegrains are good sources of zinc. B12 - which is primarily found in animal products - is widely available in supplement form. Normally, Dr Fenton said, about 90 per cent of the hair follicles are growing and 10 per cent are resting. However, when the body is under stress, whether that's from illness or significant weight loss, that cycle changes and a higher percentage of follicles go into the shedding phase. ''The more weight you lose, and the faster you lose it, the higher the risk.'' Similar to postpartum hair loss in women, this condition is known as telogen effluvium and the issue usually resolves itself over time. Luckily, there are, however, steps that can help to minimise damage. Slowing down weight loss can also help, as it reduces the stress on the body. Nour - who posts under the username @ - had a similar turnaround. After speaking to her GP, the mum began taking supplements and focused on eating well – and the shedding stopped.
The Independent
37 minutes ago
- The Independent
The remote UK island looking for a new nurse
NHS Shetland is seeking a new nurse for Fair Isle, the UK 's most remote inhabited island, as the current nurse is due to leave later this month. The successful candidate will be the sole medical professional for the island's approximately 50 residents, providing comprehensive care from newborns to the elderly. The role demands a high degree of personal resilience due to the island's isolation, weather-dependent transport, and the need to provide care without local social care provision. The full-time position offers a salary range of £41,608 to £50,702, a distant island allowance, and relocation assistance, with a two-bedroom house available to rent. Fair Isle residents have expressed concern about the vacancy, emphasising the unique challenge and rewarding opportunity for an experienced and confident clinician.
