Stores across the country will sell the erectile dysfunction drugs to men after they undergo a private half-hour consultation with a pharmacist.

Pharmacists will conduct a pre-screening questionnaire, take a medical history and conduct a series of blood tests, including checking glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels to rule out a more serious health problem.

The scheme follows a trial at Boots stores in Manchester.

Pharmacist James Longden, who led the trial, said men had travelled from around the country to buy the small blue pills. "We had men coming not just from the North West but from all over. "They were really positive about it. Sometimes it can be a bit of an embarrassing subject to talk about and many didn't know where to turn to for help," Longden said.

Costing 55 pounds for the initial screening and four tablets, the price will drop to 26.59 pounds for further supplies of four tablets.

Erectile dysfunction affects one in 10 men in Britain and it is estimated that only 10 percent of the estimated 2.3 million men who suffer are being treated.

But research by Boots has indicated that 47 percent of men would prefer to suffer in silence rather than discuss erection problems with anyone.

Patricia Lohr, medical director of the sexual healthcare charity BPAS, said women should also have the convenience of buying drugs from their chemist rather than seeing a doctor.

"It's fine that men will be able to pick up Viagra alongside their shaving foam at their local pharmacist.

"But why can't women access effective contraception by the same easy means? The contraceptive pill is safe, effective and used by millions of women worldwide - many more than men who use Viagra.

"A pharmacist can't even provide a woman with a repeat prescription for the pill - she has to return to the doctor's surgery time and again."