The corporation behind an erectile dysfunction clinic has been fined $127,500 after being convicted on unlawful advertising charges.

Last month, Wellbeing Enterprises trading as Australian Male Hormone Clinic was found guilty and convicted of 17 charges related to newspaper advertisements by the Downing Centre Local Court on October 3.

The corporation went into voluntary liquidation in September.

The full page ‘advertorial’ style advertisements made a number of claims about the benefits of treatment, including increased energy, focus, masculinity and strength, and ability to satisfy sexual partners, AHPRA said in a statement.

It is the first time a corporation has been convicted following advertising charges brought by AHPRA under section 133 of the National Law.

AHPRA CEO Mr Martin Fletcher welcomed the court’s decision, vowing the watchdog would continue to act against those responsible for false advertising.

But public health advocate Professor Ken Harvey, who had lodged complaints over these advertisements with AHPRA, said the watchdog had moved too slowly.

Professor Harvey, Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, told the ABC companies often go into liquidation before any effective action is taken.

“Consumers are ripped off and fines will never be paid. The regulators need to move faster on these issues.”