Online sales of Viagra and morning after pill shoot up during virus shutdown
Shutdown leads to surge in Viagra sales
Viagra has become one of the best-selling products at an online pharmacy as isolated couples turn to more traditional home comforts.
Nottingham-based online pharmacy 海角视频 Meds said its sales of erectile dysfunction pills had topped 4,100 since the first confirmed case of Covid-19 hit Britain.
The business also said its sales of the morning after pill were up 23 per cent, while medicine to help men with premature ejaculation were up 34 per cent.
It comes a few weeks after the pharmacy, based in Castle Marina, Nottingham, said sales of its hygiene face masks had seen a surge – as people try to protect themselves against the virus.
The firm’s managing director Joe Soiza said: “In order to help control the spread of coronavirus, the Government has said people must stay at home.
“Of course, this means couples are spending more time together in close proximity and, with sporting events being postponed and theatres closing, they have more time on their hands.
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“As our sales figures show, it appears the British public is making the most of a bad situation by investing in some quality time together.”
Established in May 2016, 海角视频 Meds operates nationally, selling prescription-only medicines and lifestyle products.
The online pharmacy offers the same medications as local pharmacies, and delivers them discreetly to patients’ doors.
Shyam Morjaria, superintendent pharmacist at 海角视频 Meds, said: “Despite their prevalence, many men still find erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation embarrassing conditions, and ones they perhaps don't want to talk about and delay getting treatment for.
“This can cause sexual and emotional frustration, especially since the cause is not always obvious.
“When it comes to treatment, there are plenty of medications available, with all of them boasting their own set of benefits.
“The most widely known one for erectile dysfunction is Viagra, which gets to work in just 30 minutes and lasts for 4-5 hours.
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“There is also Cialis, which has earned its nickname of ‘the weekend drug’ thanks to its 36-hour window of effectiveness.
“These drugs increase the blood flow to the penis, helping men to achieve and maintain an erection. 海角视频 Meds has a wide range of treatment options available to you and our prescription service can help you decide which one to go for, based on what best suits your individual needs.”
The morning after pill is a form of contraceptive that is designed only be taken in an emergency, such as a condom splitting.
It contains the female hormone levonorgestrel, which delays ovulation. Certain brands, such as ellaOne, which contains the active ingredient ulipristal, are effective for up to five days after unprotected sex.
Mr Morjaria said: “There continues to be a stigma surrounding emergency contraception – it’s seen as a product for the reckless, rather than something that’s used responsibly after sexual slip-ups.
“Having a ‘standby’ supply of the morning after pill at home is something the British Pregnancy Advisory Service recommends as it gives women a second chance of avoiding unwanted pregnancies.
“Although the morning after pill is an effective medication that provides women with safe options to help protect them against pregnancy after unprotected sex, especially when taken as soon as possible, it's important that it's not solely relied upon.
“It shouldn't be used regularly and, if you find you have had to take it more than once, you should visit your GP or sexual health clinic to discuss regular contraception options.
“While the morning after pill provides effective prevention of pregnancy when used correctly in a post-sex capacity, it will not work if you're already pregnant. If this has already happened, you will need to see your doctor to discuss your options.”