Viagra use on the rise among elderly men as NHS prescriptions rocket by more than 50% in six years 

Viagra prescriptions for men over 80 are rocketing upwards, statistics show.

The sex aid drug has seen its usage in older men go up by more than 50 per cent in the past six years.

NHS prescription records show that last year alone, there were 200,000 prescriptions for men in their 80s.

Some 6,500 packages of the tablets were handed out to men over 90, while a 101-year-old was also a recipient of the drug, which is used to help maintain erections.

The number of men 80 and over using the Pfizer drug rose from 127,448 in 2016 to 196,867 last year. 

Some 6,500 packages of the tablets were handed out to men over 90, while a 101-year-old was also a recipient of the drug, which is used to help maintain erections [File image]

In total, there are 4.4 million patient requests for Viagra. One in 40 men use the drug, with requests from those in their 60s the most frequent.

Viagra works by physically increasing the blood flow to the penis. It does not increase the mental desire to have sex.

A gel alternative, which does not require a prescription, is sold in Boots stores under the brand name Eroxon.