Experts have reported a rise in the number of Brits seeking chemical aids to ensure they have a “merry” Christmas… in the bedroom.
Drug shop data suggests there has been a 100 percent increase in sales of erection-stimulating drugs, such as Viagra, in the past 40 days.
Pharmacists have suggested there could be a number of factors unique to this time of year that could cause many men to suffer a potential holiday bust.
These include overindulging in mince pies, enjoying too many Christmas drinks and the stress of finding the perfect gift.
Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said overeating this Christmas could cause many men with underlying blood sugar problems to struggle to function in the bedroom.
For those with prediabetes, who already struggle to control their blood sugar levels, too much sweets can cause worrying spikes.
Jones explained that this could affect blood flow around the body and, by extension, problems getting or maintaining an erection.
“Try to limit your high-sugar, high-carb snacks to the weekend or when you go out, if possible, and stock up on some healthy options.”
Data suggests there has been a 100 percent increase in sales of erection-boosting drugs, such as Viagra, in the run-up to the holiday season.
Pharmacists have suggested there could be a number of factors unique to this time of year that could cause men to reach for medications like the “little blue pill.”
And while alcohol is famous for lowering inhibitions, too much could make it difficult for men to perform.
“While alcohol can increase sexual desire, heavy drinking over the festive period could lead to problems with sexual performance for a number of reasons,” Ms Jones said.
‘Consuming more than three drinks can cause blood pressure to rise, resulting in reduced blood flow or low blood pressure and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, or even experiencing premature ejaculation.
“Meanwhile, alcohol can affect the central nervous system, acting as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and making it difficult for our brain and body to respond to stimulation.
“In addition, drinking a lot of alcohol can negatively affect testosterone production, meaning it will be harder to maintain an erection and you are likely to notice a drop in libido.”
He advised alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on a night out to avoid possible complications.
“Your liver and your partner will thank you later,” Mrs Jones said.
While Christmas is meant to be a time of peace and love, visiting cantankerous relatives and searching for the perfect gift can lead to increasing levels of stress and anxiety.
In 2023, the health service distributed a total of 4.57 million prescriptions for sildenafil, better known under the brand name Viagra, and other types of impotence medications sold under the brand names Cialis and Levitra.
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.
Jones explained that this can lead many couples to suffer from performance anxiety when it comes to sex.
“As the body produces more cortisol when it is stressed and anxious, this can inhibit testosterone production, lower libido, and even problems getting or maintaining an erection,” he said.
“So, be sure to take some time to relax alone and with your partner, and schedule some time for intimacy—after all, it’s been proven to be a great way to relieve stress.”
Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is believed to affect approximately half of men over 40 years of age.
While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and there is nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotence should be examined by a primary care physician.
This is because the problem can be an indicator of serious health problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormonal problems, and mental problems such as depression and anxiety.
Viagra is the most famous brand of the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil, and there are now many generic options available.
Other options include tablets such as tadalafil, which are sold under the brand name Cialis, as well as topical gels.