The Department of Defense Spends Millions on Viagra

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, your doctor may have prescribed the famed medication, Viagra. The “little blue pill,” which has become a household name thanks to advertising, helps men get and keep an erection.

While the drug is effective for most men, it’s not covered by insurance. That’s not the case, however, if you have military health coverage. A report shows billions of dollars is spent covering the cost of ED medications like Viagra for anyone covered by military insurance.

The cost of Viagra

In 2011, a bill covering drugs like Viagra for active and retired service personnel and eligible family members totaled $294 billion, according to CBS News. That’s about the cost of four U.S. Air Force F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

Eight kinds of erectile dysfunction medications are covered by insurance, but Viagra is the most commonly prescribed. More than 900,000 prescriptions were filled for Viagra in 2014 to the tune of $41.6 million. Cialis took second place, with about 185,000 prescriptions totaling $22.8 billion.

Most ED meds don’t go to active troops

The study looked at who was actually taking ED medications and it turns out that less than 10% of the prescriptions are given to active duty members – retirees and family members covered by the federal plan get the majority of the prescriptions.

ED caused by psychological conditions

For most military men, the cause for their erectile dysfunction is psychological, according to the study. In man cases, conditions like post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety often lead to intimacy problems, including ED.

While discussing sexual problems can be difficult, it’s important to speak with a doctor to find a treatment. If the problem is caused by a psychological condition, the doctor can help treat that condition as well as erectile dysfunction.