The U.K. has some of the most stringent regulations when it comes to selling and buying medications. In fact, since 1979, all medications – including generic and branded versions of popular drugs – have been classified and tied to a special inventory system. This system was established to prevent drug shortages and capitalize on opportunities to improve healthcare. It also helps to keep track of all the medications a patient is taking so that the appropriate dosages and side effects can be monitored. Because of this, many medications are either completely unavailable or very difficult to source when needed.
The Rising Number of Erectile Dysfunction Sufferers
Currently, there are more than 400 million people worldwide who are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, according to estimates, this number is expected to reach 1 billion by the year 2020.
ED is a condition where a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. In some cases, ED can be caused by medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. However, in most instances, ED is related to psychological or interpersonal issues. Common causes of ED include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and performance anxiety. Studies have also shown that a lack of sex education and ignorance about the body can also play a role in this distressing condition.
Why Is ED Inevitable?
Sadly, for men who are suffering from ED, the condition is not something that will magically disappear once they reach 50 years of age. Rather, it is a condition that many people are trying to eradicate through alternative treatments. In fact, some people who are afflicted with ED have even resorted to self-injections, which is why they need access to the drug in the first place.
Because of this, many pharmaceutical companies have developed generic versions of popular ED medications so that patients who experience unsatisfactory effects from the branded medications can still benefit from the treatment. One of the most popular medications for ED is sildenafil citrate, more commonly known as “Viagra.” For more than a decade, Viagra has been prescribed to treat cardiovascular ailments and help men enjoy greater sexual satisfaction. It is estimated that more than 300 million prescriptions for Viagra have been written to date.
The Evolution Of ED Medications
It is important to keep in mind that ED medications do not provide immediate relief to patients. Rather, it takes time for the drugs to actually start working on a man’s erectile function. This is why it is crucial to start treating the root causes of ED, such as anxiety and depression, rather than just prescribing a quick-fix medication. It is also important to be mindful of the various side effects that each medication may have, as these too can be a source of pain and distress for some men. In general, most men who are taking ED medications experience some form of side effects, such as headache, upset stomach, nasal congestion, and vision problems. Some patients have also reported severe allergic reactions to certain medications.
Why Are The UK’s Drug Regulations So Unusual?
Unlike most other countries, the UK has always considered medication to be a class of its own and only available from certain licensed pharmacies. Even today, when medications are increasingly available online, the need to source them from a pharmacy is still considered a rarity in the country.
Prior to the creation of the special drug inventory system, medications, including generic versions of popular drugs, could be obtained without restriction from any pharmacy. However, in 1979, the UK government passed the Community Pharmacy Amendment Regulations, which classified and limited the supply and types of medication that could be sold online. Furthermore, because of this regulation, all pharmacies in the UK must stock a special and exclusive range of medications that were categorized thereunder. In recent years, the UK’s drug regulations have been amended and extended to include more than 400 medications. This means that, essentially, if you are taking or have taken a medication that is not on this exclusive list, then you could be in breach of the law. Many medications that were previously considered off-limits because of their unclassified status are now available in the UK, including Viagra, albeit only under licensed distributers. This means that while the medication itself may be available online, finding a pharmacy that is willing to provide it for you may be difficult.
Viagra And The Changing Demographics Of ED
To this point, we have discussed the ever-growing number of men and women who are suffering from ED and the different reasons why this problem continues to plague society. However, it is also important to remember that no demographic is immune to ED. In fact, many older men and women suffer from this condition as well.
For example, it is estimated that more than 70% of men aged 55-64 have some form of ED. Furthermore, it is a well-established fact that erection dysfunction is more common among men as they get older. This is why many doctors and pharmacists consider ED to be a “natural” progression for men as they get older and why it is considered to be a “premature” introduction of medications for treatment.
Emerging Markets For ED Medication
While the UK has always considered medication to be a relatively scarce commodity, this categorization does not apply to all countries. In many emerging markets, the cost of medications can be prohibitively high, and thus, availability is often considered a luxury. In fact, there are some countries where medications, especially those for ED, are virtually impossible to source.
To combat this problem, pharmaceutical companies have developed alternative delivery systems, such as implants, injections, and suppositories, for patients who either cannot or will not tolerate the side effects of oral drugs. In many cases, these new delivery systems have allowed patients to receive the treatment they need while minimizing the risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects.
In conclusion, over the past 40 years, the UK has taken a unique approach to dealing with the issue of ED. In most cases, the condition is considered to be a major public health issue, and many people are looking for ways to improve their sexual health and find relief from the stress of daily life. Because of this, pharmaceutical companies have created numerous new ED medications and developed generic versions of popular drugs. Furthermore, the UK’s restrictive drug regulations and limited drug supply has only served to increase the demand for ED medications. In many cases, the need to source medications locally through a pharmacy has also become a thing of the past; however, the demand for these medications has not decreased. Rather, it has increased and spread to include more and more people who need or want to try something new to help them improve their sex lives.