Men are now able to buy the drug Viagra from their chemist under a new nationwide scheme launched by the pharmacy Boots on Friday.
Twenty-nine stores across the country will be able to sell the prescription-only sexual dysfunction drug to men, provided they undergo a consultation with a pharmacist.
The private half-hour consultation will assess the problem by examining medical history, completion of a questionnaire and blood tests to check blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol problems to discount more serious medical problems. Men must be registered with a doctor though and agree for their doctor to be informed.
A course of the prescription-only drugs will not be cheap though with a cost of £55 for the initial screening and then around £26 for four tablets. Patients will be able to return for a further check up and to get further supplies.
The new scheme follows a successful pilot programme at stores in Manchester, where 288 patients were referred to their doctor after tests taken during the consultation revealed abnormal blood glucose, blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect one in ten men in Britain. Experts say that as many as one third to one half of men with diabetes suffer from the problem.
If you are worried about erectile dysfunction and you have diabetes see your doctor because there are treatments available. The Sexual Dysfunction Association also have a wealth of information about the condition and a confidential telephone helpline: 0870 7743571.