Men in the United Kingdom (UK) got lucky over Valentine’s Day, not just in the bedroom, but at the pharmacist’s counter too.
In the UK, men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) can talk with a pharmacist and get Viagra over the counter instead of visiting a doctor’s office for a prescription. So, is this a good or bad thing? This article explores where this is beneficial and what might be an unintended consequence.
Viagra Sales Increase Over Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day wasn’t just another Friday in the UK for pharmacists. Viagra sales pushed one-day sales to record highs. For instance, one pharmacy reported a nearly 70% increase in Viagra sales for the holiday. Even in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, pharmacies were seeing increases in sales, including a 23% increase in sales during the week of the Valentine’s Day holiday compared to prior, non-holiday weeks.
Over the Counter Access Can Reduce Stigma
Masculine stereotypes, like the idea that experiencing ED makes you less of a man, have long harmed men. Negative stereotypes can affect men’s attitudes toward seeking advice from a healthcare professional or being open to taking a medication like Viagra for help. Having Viagra accessible at local pharmacies is addressing this barrier. One UK pharmacist claims Viagra’s over-the-counter access is a positive for men living with ED. Since Viagra became available at local stores, he has seen more men consulting pharmacists for advice and treatment.
Is there a Down Side to Greater Accessibility?
With Viagra now more accessible in the UK, it’s likely a lot of first-time users will be flocking to local pharmacies to get the medication. It’s important that men remember that all drugs can have negative side effects. For instance, one study reported that men taking high doses of Viagra reported vision-related side effects, like light sensitivity and issues with seeing color. Therefore, it’s recommended that men who are not regular Viagra users start with a lower dose of the medication.
There are also potential psychological side effects to Viagra’s accessibility as well. Valentine’s Day is already stressful enough. We are worried about pleasing our partners with the right gift, dinner reservation, or romantic gesture, not to mention the pressure to please our partner in the bedroom. Knowing it is available at local pharmacies might make men feel more pressure to perform in the bedroom, especially on romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day. This might actually make things worse for their sex life as stress can negatively affect men’s erectile functioning.
For those living with ED in the UK, having access at local pharmacies can make obtaining Viagra less intimidating and stigmatized. It’s important that men still follow the pharmacist’s directives, such as first-timers using a lower dose to avoid potential side effects. Viagra’s access at pharmacies can lead more men to seek help for ED, but shouldn’t be viewed as a greater expectation on them to perform with their partner. In fact, it could be used as a conversation piece with partners, who can be critical in helping their partners with ED.
To learn about convenient online ordering of Viagra and medications like it, visit the eDrugstore Erectile Dysfunction page.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.