The cost of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra to the NHS has tripled in six years and this is just for those lucky enough (or unlucky in most cases) to qualify for the very restricted one tablet per week NHS prescription limit.

Figures show that £58 million was spent in 2006 compared to just £17.5 million in 2000.The 2006 figure equates to 17million prescriptions fairly evenly divided between under 60 year olds at 8.3 million and over 60s at 8.7 million. This means that it is not just an age related problem. GPs can only prescribe if their patient suffers from one or more of a range of serious conditions. Plain impotence is not enough for an NHS prescription.

While doctors oppose these restrictions, the Department of Health remain steadfast that there will be no easing, so a private prescription is the only way to go for those who can afford it.

It is most probably worth it to save a relationship.