Experts have reported a rise in Brits seeking chemical aids to ensure they have a very ‘merry’ Christmas…in the bedroom.
Data from pharmacies suggests there has been a 100 per cent rise in sales of erection boosting medications, such as Viagra, in the last 40 days.
Pharmacists have suggested there could be host of factors unique to this time of year that could leave many men suffering a potential festive flop.
These include over-indulging on mince pies, enjoying one too many Christmas tipples and the stress of finding the perfect present.
Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said excessive eating this Yuletide could leave many men with underlying blood sugar problems struggling to perform in the bedroom.
For those with prediabetes, who already struggle to control their blood sugars, excess sweet treats can cause worrying spikes.
Ms Jones explained this could impact blood flow around the body, and by extension, trouble getting or maintaining an erection.
‘Try and limit your high-sugar and carb-y snacks to the weekend or when you’re out if possible and stock up on some healthy options.’
Data suggests there has been a 100 per cent rise in sales of erection boosting medications, such as Viagra, in the run up to festive season
Pharmacists have suggested there could be host of factors unique to the this time of year that could leave men seeking a medications like the ‘little blue pill’
And while alcohol is famous for lowering inhibitions, a few too many could leave men struggling to perform.
‘While alcohol can increase your sex drive, binge drinking over the festive period could see you having issues with sexual performance for several reasons,’ Ms Jones said.
‘Consuming more than three drinks can cause your blood pressure to spike, resulting in reduced blood flow or low blood pressure and difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, or even experiencing premature ejaculation.
‘Meanwhile, alcohol can impact your central nervous system as it acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and making it harder for our brain and bodies to respond to stimulation.
‘Plus, drinking lots of alcohol can negatively impact testosterone production, meaning it will be harder to maintain an erection and it’s very likely you’ll see a drop in libido.’
She advised alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on a night out to avoid potential complications.
‘Your liver and your partner will thank you later,’ said Ms Jones.
While Christmas is meant to be a time of peace and love, visiting cantankerous relatives and the search for the perfect gift can lead to spiking levels of stress and anxiety.
A total of 4.57million prescriptions for sildenafil, more commonly known by the brand name Viagra, and other types of impotency drugs sold under the brand names Cialis and Levitra, were dished out by the health service in 2023
This map shows the areas where people were most and least likely to be prescribed sildenafil the key ingredient in the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra on the NHS
Ms Jones explained this can lead to many couples suffering performance anxiety when it comes to sex.
‘As the body produces more cortisol when stressed and anxious, this can inhibit testosterone production, decreasing libido and even issues getting or maintaining an erection,’ she said.
‘So, ensure you take some time to relax by yourself and with your partner, and schedule time for intimacy – after all, it’s proven to be a great way to relieve stress.’
Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40.
While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP.
This is because the issue can be an indicator of serious health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone problems and mental issues like depression and anxiety.
Viagra is the most famous brand of the erectile dysfunction medication sildenafil with many generic options now available.
Other options include tablets like tadalafil, sold under the brand Cialis, as well as topical gels.
