Viagra will be for sale on the high street tomorrow as Boots launches the first pharmacist-led service for erection problems, after a pilot scheme in Manchester serve men from all over the UK.

Boots stores across the country will sell the tablets after a half-hour consultation with customers to rule out a more serious condition. Pharmacists will test glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels before giving a course of the prescription-only drugs, priced at £55 with subsequent doses at £26.59.

James Longden, the pharmacist who led the pilot scheme, told the Press Association it had been a success with men. "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."

Some men, whose family doctor was part of a small practice or a personal friend, wanted to talk to someone they would not see again about the problem. Others saw it as part of ageing and thought they should not bother their doctor.

More than 200 men had been referred back to their GPs after tests indicated a possible underlying medical problem.

Erectile dysfunction affects one in 10 British men and only about 10% of the estimated 2.3 million men who suffer are being treated.

Research by Boots found 47% of men would prefer to suffer in silence rather than discuss erection problems with anyone.