Daily sex pill to revive spontaneity

Aussie couples will soon be able to reinvigorate their love life with a daily pill that the manufacturer promises will bring back spontaneous sex.

The erectile dysfunction (ED) drug Cialis has been approved in a once-a-day formulation designed for men who have sex at least twice a week.

The drug differs from standard Cialis and Viagra tablets, which are taken before a planned sexual interlude.

Manufacturer Eli Lilly is marketing the new product as the latest tool for sexual spontaneity, as men on this regime will be able to have intercourse without advance planning.

The drug, the first of its kind approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, will cost about $190 for a pack of 24 pills.

Professor Doug Lording, an andrologist at Melbourne's Cabrini Hospital, backs the drug saying continuous 24/7 coverage promotes a more "real" sexual experience.

"This is an important new option for men with ED because it separates the pill from the pillow, which can give them back a more natural sexual experience with flow-on benefits to their overall wellbeing," Prof Lording said.

The consumer support group, Impotence Australia, welcomes the drug's approval, with chief executive Brett McCann saying ED has a definite impact on Australians' ability to enjoy spontaneous sex.

An industry-funded Galaxy poll of 800 Australians released at the launch found 74 per cent of men rated spontaneity an important part of sex.

Almost 90 per cent of Aussie women said they preferred spontaneous sex over planned intimacy - a good insight for men, as the survey showed that taking advantage of unscheduled opportunities increases their chances of having sex.

About two million Australian men suffer ED, a problem triggered by blood vessel constriction or a blockage limiting penis blood flow.

Erection drugs work by targeting an enzyme to amplify blood flow to the penis.

Brisbane-based medical sex therapist Dr Jane Howard welcomed the once-a-day formulation and said trials had indicated efficacy and safety was in line with the on-demand formula.

The most common side-effects of both products include upset stomach, back pain, muscle ache, flushing and nasal congestion.