The etiology of erectile dysfunction and mechanisms by which drugs improve erection

Drugs Today (Barc). 2003 Mar;39(3):193-202. doi: 10.1358/dot.2003.39.3.740216.

Abstract

Following the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus conference in 1988, erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to maintain a penile erection sufficient for adequate sexual relations (1). The advances in basic and clinical research during the last two decades have led to the development of several new treatment options for erectile dysfunction, including new pharmacological agents for intracavernosal, intraurethral and oral use. The recent advent of medical therapy and the poor results of long-term follow-up in reconstructive vascular surgery, have significantly modified the medical management of this disorder. Discussion of erectile dysfunction has increased, information about erectile dysfunction is increasingly available, training in erectile dysfunction was improved and last, but not least, the number of patients seeking help for erectile dysfunction is growing, because satisfactory sexual function is an important part of a couple's healthy relationship and ongoing quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Apomorphine / therapeutic use
  • Erectile Dysfunction* / chemically induced
  • Erectile Dysfunction* / drug therapy
  • Erectile Dysfunction* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Penile Erection / physiology*
  • Phentolamine / therapeutic use
  • Smoking / adverse effects

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Apomorphine
  • Phentolamine