Number of servicemen being given Viagra soars as war 'takes its toll'

THE number of troops being given Viagra to help them stand to attention is on the rise, stats show.

A total of 946 soldiers, sailors and airmen were prescribed the sex booster last year — up from 872 in 2021.

Of those, 465 were in the Army, 249 in the Navy and 232 in the RAF. Experts believe it could be linked to the punishing workloads and the psychological effects of warzones.

With troop numbers falling, doctors also handed out more anti-depressants, with 7,564 last year, up from 7,289 in 2021. More than 1,000 were for officers.

The MoD also revealed 3,284 personnel were given sleeping tablets last year.

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Hundreds of troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental illness which can cause sexual and sleep problems.

The MoD said: “Medications prescribed are only provided where clear medical need is identified and are always in line with NHS guidelines.

"We have a range of physical and ­mental health and well­being support that is designed to ensure all our people stay healthy and battle-ready.”