Viagra prescriptions handed out in its hundreds.

ALMOST 850 prescriptions for the anti-impotence drug Viagra have been handed out in Plymouth in less than two years. Health chiefs have revealed that between October 1, 2011 and April 30, 2013, some 846 prescriptions for the little blue pill were given to men across the city. But a leading sex therapist has said that she fears some men may not be boosting their love lives to their full potential just by swallowing the famous tablet. Catrina Swan, who works as a relationship and sexual health counsellor for charity Relate, explained: "If you have someone who has had surgery or has a physical illness or disability that can lead to an inability to have an erection, a prescription of Viagra can be enough. Read more: http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Viagra-prescriptions-handed-hundreds/story-19417986-detail/story.html#ixzz2XaZx41XC Follow us: @thisisplymouth on Twitter | thisisplymouth on Facebook "But often erectile dysfunction can have a huge impact on a relationship. It impacts on the dynamics in the couple." Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a number of things obesity, smoking, heart problems and poor circulation are common causes. However, cancer treatment and medication for conditions like depression can also cause it. Catrina continued: "The person who has the dysfunction suffers a lot of guilt, shame, fear and anxiety. "And the partner can suffer from anxiety, anger and worrying if they're attractive enough. "It inevitably morphs into a couple issue. "So often treating it with a medical approach isn't always the whole answer. Often it's best to have a counselling therapy as well as the medical therapy." Catrina, who is based in the city's North Hill area, says that for some of her clients, Viagra can cause problems in a relationship. She explained: "I've found in many cases, if a person gets a prescription for Viagra they have a new lease of life." "But often when a man suffers erectile dysfunction, it coincides with the woman going through the menopause. "So actually when he had erectile dysfunction, it might have worked well."Viagra is a holistic drug which was originally developed to treat angina and is good for the heart. It was developed by UK scientists and hit shelves in 1998. Read more: http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Viagra-prescriptions-handed-hundreds/story-19417986-detail/story.html#ixzz2XaaAqVfc Follow us: @thisisplymouth on Twitter | thisisplymouth on Facebook courtesy: http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk