Treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) is becoming more affordable in South Africa as the price of medication to treat it continues to fall. This means men no longer have to limit love-making to special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Increased competition in the market has led to a drop in prices by an average of 33% over the past 11 years, with generics now available for as little as R80 for a pack of four.

National Impotence Day on February 14 sheds light on Erectile Dysfunction. It aims to educate both the public and health professionals.https://t.co/lhUjmrCaWg #erectiledysfunction #erectiledysfunctiontreatment #erectiledysfunctioncure #erectiledysfunctionexpert #impotence pic.twitter.com/Iz2Skj8UiC

— IVFLondonUK (@IVF_londonUK) February 14, 2023

Fadhl Solomon, the Men’s Health Category Manager for Pharma Dynamics, says the introduction of generic medication to the market has driven the price drop. 

“Currently, there are ten different generic brands available to SA patients, with more expected to follow in the coming months. We want to make treating erectile dysfunction as convenient, cost-effective and discreet as possible,” says Solomon.

A symptom of underlying health concerns

Impotence is a common problem affecting an estimated 4 in 10 men over 40. But this figure is likely even higher as many patients are too embarrassed to seek treatment. ED refers to a man’s inability to achieve an erection firm enough for sex. And it can be linked to other health concerns like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. These conditions are often a result of lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Solomon emphasises the condition can be a symptom of underlying health concerns. He notes that ED is part of the body’s internal warning system, indicating that all is not well. “We encourage all men that suffer from ED to ask their doctor for a thorough physical examination to get to the root cause,” says Solomon.

Encouraging men to seek ED help

https://twitter.com/gyn_doctor/status/1621361468884094976

Pharma Dynamics, a major supplier of ED medication in South Africa, was the first to launch a generic equivalent of the originator to the market in 2012. The local market for prescription medication to treat impotence is worth R250-million, and it continues to grow.

The final cost of treatment can vary due to factors like dispensing fees. These fees differ from pharmacy to pharmacy. However, men can expect to pay less this year thanks to the increased competition in the market. – Health-e News