Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition defined by the inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse (NIH Consensus Conference, 1993).In 1995, it was estimated that approximately 152 million men worldwide suffered from ED, with projections for 2025 growing to a prevalence of 322 million affected men (Aytac et al, 1999).In the past, ED was believed to be primarily caused by nonspecific psychological causes; however, in the past 2 decades, the majority of cases have been attributed to an organic etiology.Although ED patients can have a number of medical conditions, organic ED is usually associated with vascular risk factors such as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Peyronie disease, and renal disease (Benet and Melman, 1995;Laumann et al, 1999;Hellstrom and Bivalacqua, 2000).In addition, pelvic trauma and pelvic surgery (radical prostatectomy or radical cystectomy) can cause ED by either vascular or nerve damage.Since the early 1980s, our understanding about the pharmacology of the erectile mechanism has advanced significantly.Basic research in corporal cavernosal smooth muscle (CCSM) physiology and identification of the central mediators involved in the erectile process has contributed to the development of pharmacological agents that can effectively treat ED patients.At present, the diagnosis and treatment of ED has evolved to the point where virtually every patient suffering from ED can be successfully treated.Vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal injection therapy, intraurethral suppositories, oral medications, penile vascular procedures, and surgical implantation of prosthetic devices offer most men a viable option to correct their ED.However, despite the overall success and efficacy of the aforementioned therapies, there are implicit side effects, complications, and contraindications.Therefore, the development of future therapeutic options for the treatment of ED should focus on
Source: Journal of Andrology
Institution: Tulane University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1580885064