[Erectile dysfunction. Epidemiology, physiology, etiology, diagnosis and therapy]

Urologe A. 2004 Feb;43(2):197-207; quiz 208-9. doi: 10.1007/s00120-003-0527-9.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is a common, age-dependent functional disturbance of men associated to various comorbidities. Interdisciplinary cooperation with neurologists in cases of a suspected neurological aetiology and with psychiatrists in cases with normal organic diagnostic findings is necessary. Hormone replacement and psychotherapy can cure certain patients. Oral pharmacotherapy is the most effective therapy for erectile dysfunction with the highest patient preference. Oral PDE-5-inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) are superior in effectiveness to centrally acting drugs (apomorphin, yohimbine). Local pharmacotherapy (MUSE, ICI) is a second line therapy in cases of failure or contraindications for oral pharmacotherapy. Vacuum therapy and operative procedures (penile implants) complete the therapeutic options of erectile dysfunction.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / epidemiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / psychology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Patient Care Management / methods
  • Penile Prosthesis
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Purines
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triazines
  • Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Triazines
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
  • Sildenafil Citrate