'Troop support': Pentagon spends $600k on Viagra for US troops

The US Department of Defence spent well over A$600,000 on Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs last year, according to US media.

The Pentagon spent $647,175 on Viagra alone, plus Viagra alternatives Cialis ($18,640) and Levitra ($4493), which were procured for "Troop Support".

Such drugs have been available to defence force personnel as part of their healthcare package since 1998 – but back then, a single hit of Viagra only cost US$10 (A$12); now, it's US$25 (A$32).

At that rate, according to the Washington Free Beacon, the amount of Viagra purchased could fuel over 80,770.5 hours (and change) of sex, assuming no man's erection lasted longer than four hours.

"Defence guidelines allow military physicians to prescribe Viagra only after a thorough evaluation indicates the medication as the optimal regimen for the patient," the Pentagon said in a statement.

"Patients prescribed Viagra also receive careful guidelines for taking the medication. According to defence health officials, Viagra side effects may include headaches, flushing of the face or chest, indigestion, nasal congestion and mild vision impairment.

"There's also no guarantee Viagra will work," the statement noted.

The healthcare plan also covers penis pumps and hormone injections.