Britain is facing a record surge in hospital admissions linked to Viagra use, as new NHS data shows 518 men required treatment in the past year for painful erections lasting several hours.
The figures, covering the year to March 2025, reveal that 410 of those cases were emergency admissions for priapism — a dangerous condition where the penis remains erect for more than four hours. Another 108 men were treated through planned hospital visits or surgeries for related long-term complications.
NHS England said the average age of men admitted was 41, though 26 patients were over 65 and one was older than 90. Priapism is considered a rare but serious side effect of Viagra, which was prescribed 4.7 million times last year, also a record high. The condition can also arise from blood flow disorders.
Doctors warn that untreated priapism can cause permanent damage, including impotence, scarring or in severe cases, amputation. Treatments include injections of painkillers, muscle relaxants, or surgery to drain blood clots.
“After four hours, an erection is a medical emergency,” said Dr. Deborah Lee of the online pharmacy Dr. Fox. “Without urgent treatment, this can even result in gangrene. If you notice prolonged, painful erections, consult your GP immediately.”
The NHS spent more than £20 million last year addressing erectile dysfunction across England, underscoring the growing demand for treatments and the rising costs of dealing with complications.
thesun.co.uk
