Contemporary management of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual disorders in men, and the existence of an underlying cause should always be considered. It is also commonly and closely associated with age and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, all men with ED should be screened for medical problems. Treatment of ED can enhance self-esteem, reduce psychological morbidity, and increase the emotional well-being of both partners. Today, unless contraindicated, user-friendly, effective, and safe therapies offered for the treatment of ED are lifestyle and risk factor modification (e.g., exercise and weight loss) and the use of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. Vacuum erection devices, intracavernous injection therapy, and penile prostheses are other options of treatment when oral medication fails. The following minireview provides a practical approach for the management of ED in outpatient departments.