Viagra use among men has tripled, with doctors saying there is less stigma around it. We asked readers whether they agreed.

Prescriptions for Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs have nearly tripled in the past decade, according to NHS data. The rise is partly due to the fact the cost of Viagra fell by 85.9% in 2013.

Doctors say there is also increased awareness among men of the use of Viagra as medication for a serious illness and less stigma around erectile dysfunction.

We asked readers to share their thoughts and experiences of taking Viagra.

‘Talk about it and don’t bottle things up’ – Philip, 67, living in France

A lot of men still feel inadequate if they suffer from erectile dysfunction, so won’t discuss the subject with a doctor even though this should be their first port of call.

I switched from Cialis to sildenafil [Viagra] because the former gave me a headache, but the latter doesn’t. Also, sildenafil costs less. Living in France, this medication is not cheap, so I have an account with a UK-based online medical consultancy, which is regulated and reliable.

If erectile dysfunction is a problem then talk about it with your partner and then your GP. In my case, it was age-related. Second, Viagra is not an aphrodisiac. You need good stimulation from your partner to achieve an erection. Third, Viagra is not for younger men who don’t have erectile dysfunction. Fourth, take it with water not with grapefruit juice as it can lead to a big drop in blood pressure. Last, talk about it and don’t bottle things up.

There are thousands of dodgy website selling erectile dysfunction medication which men will use to avoid talking about the problem. Don’t use these websites. There are reputable services in the UK. But, if you can go via your GP to the NHS, all the better.

‘Viagra has been a real life-changer for me’ – Mark, 55, from Berkshire

I suffer from multiple sclerosis which is why I am prescribed Viagra. I never felt a stigma about taking it but guess that some men without a specific medical reason may still feel some.

My GP can only prescribe four pills per month on NHS so I need to buy additional from the internet. I have probably bought from a dozen suppliers on the web before and have always received a legitimate product at a fraction of the private price. As with everything you need to take note of vendor reviews and feedback. Maybe I’ve just been lucky.

When I started taking Viagra, many years ago now, it made an enormous difference to my quality of life and the quality and stability of my relationship. It was a real life-changer.

‘My GP said he was prescribing it more and more’ – Ian, 67, from Dorset

Since I was prescribed Viagra I mentioned it to several friends and found that most (80% of a statistically useless sample) either had used it or were taking it. This is men of all ages, from their mid-50s to over 70. I also know of one younger guy who takes it, an acquaintance in the gym.

My GP said that he was prescribing it more and more and one of my friends didn’t bother with the doctor but went straight to an internet site to obtain it. He used the same site for extra supplies as the NHS limits you to four tablets every 28 days.

Is the NHS limit that reasonable?

‘Taking Viagra has greatly benefited my marriage’ – David, 69, from Wales

I have never discussed taking Viagra with anyone except my doctor and wife, so I don’t know whether there is less stigma. I take a low 25mg dose when hoping to have sex. It does not always produce an erection, you need to have strong and continuing desire for it to work.

Minor side-effects for me sometimes include headaches, flushing and loose bowels. It’s not a problem. Taking the drug has greatly benefited my marriage. A stronger erection means better sex.

‘There is less stigma perhaps, but it’s still there’ – Lee, 80, from Buckingham

Perhaps the stigma – if it exists – is not so much with Viagra as it is erectile dysfunction. It’s difficult to admit you’ve “lost” your manhood.

Erectile dysfunction crept slowly up on me during my 60s and 70s but the desire is still strong. I tried Viagra and Cialis for many years but in the end the side-effects – flu-like symptoms, red eyes, hot flushes – proved the game not worth it. I also suffered a thrombosis in the retinal vein. I’m told there is some history for this with Viagra and though it has not been scientifically investigated, it should be. I now use a topical cream called Vitaros: tumescence without the side-effects.

‘For me, it has always been about making sex last longer’ – Charles, 64, from London

I have been using Viagra to enhance the sexual experience for the last 15 years. It has never been about not getting an erection. It has always been about making sex last longer. Erectile dysfunction is a complete misnomer.

It is now very cheap, around £1.50 for a 100mg tablet which does at least two sessions. There are no real side-effects except a bit of a flush. It works like magic within half an hour.

‘I suspect the stigma will stop some men from getting it and lead to depression’ – Ben, 47, from London

I told my partner and she was very supportive, but she thinks I take it now and then. I would be too embarrassed to tell her how often I take it – basically every time we have sex. It is embarrassing. There is stigma. I use an online pharmacy and pay more than I should. My NHS GP was supportive but totally impractical. They gave me a prescription for four tablets at a time and this meant I was constantly going to the local GP for appointments to collect repeat prescriptions.

It should be cheaper and easier to get it in the NHS. I buy sildenafil and one side-effect has been I no longer take antidepressants. My sex life is great and it’s helped me feel better about myself. I would much rather take Viagra or an equivalent than an antidepressant. I suspect the stigma will stop other men doing this and lead to depression.

‘The stigma is more in my own mind than in reality’ – Ken, 64, from Nottingham

I think stigma is probably getting less but it’s not something that comes into general conversation. I imagine that people like myself have no second thoughts about using Viagra because there is a need to maintain relationships, or in my case make new ones following a divorce. It is a godsend.

I got erectile dysfunction as a result of a mixture of medical and psychological causes. I was reluctant to tell my partner at first but when it came to light I was chastised only for thinking that I needed to hide it at all. So there is a degree of stigma more in my own mind than in reality.

• Some names have been changed.

Source: theguardian.com