Your role is important to help ‘normalise’ the symptoms of ED by communicating that millions of men experience ED, so they feel they are not alone anymore. There are various ways you can support your customers to take the steps to get the right help with ED and/or prevent it

Customers wanting to buy sildenafil

• Sildenafil is getting more and more coverage on the media.  With the availability of sildenafil, to buy in pharmacy, you may notice people will discreetly enquire about a product. (Please note depending on your country , this product may be available via prescription free of charge).
• If the customer is looking to buy sildenafil, build a rapport with the them first and offer them a private discussion in a quiet area of the pharmacy, such as the consultation room.
• You may be approached by the customer’s partner in regards to sildenafil, if so, it’s important that you ask your WWHAM questions before selling the product.
• If your are involved selling sildenafil, ensure you know your pharmacy protocol.

Body language 

Look out for nonverbal cues from customers as they may feel uncomfortable to approach you, examples include:

• • Pacing the shop floor
  • Only coming to the counter when no other customers are around
  • Sweating, going pale
  • Lack of eye contact
  • Folding arms
  • Being abrupt
  • Asking for the pharmacist
• Think about brief advice you can provide on making positive lifestyle changes – are you a trained stop smoking advisor? In that case encourage conversations around quitting smoking. Other lifestyle chnages such as reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly and achieving a healthy, balanced diet can all contribute to general health as well as decreasing ED symptoms.
• Health promotions – what a great way to introduce the topic of ED! Use this as a way to spark a conversation, try and keep some leaflets on your display for people to help themselves. You may want to include giving pointers on finding out about ED i.e. speak to a member of the team, talk about your services etc. If you have access to anonymous case studies that you could leave behind, it will help to normalise it. Take a look at our health promotion library to help you set up and run effective health promotions in your pharmacy.