Erectile dysfunction, an urologic and multidisciplinary approach

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complaint, both in the general medicine and the urology out-patient clinic. The quite recent availability of effective treatments has profoundly changed the perception of sexual health in society, which has become more demanding. We should see erectile or sexual function as a health marker. Its causes are often diverse but we can classify them as somatic (vascular, neurological, endocrine, tissue-related, iatrogenic) or psychogenic. Management should be etiological if possible. It often goes first by reducing cardiovascular risk factors and then by prescribing a vasodilating agent functioning through the inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5. When modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are identified, we refer the patient to a specialized consultation. ED is to be seen as a warning sign of a preventable disease or cardiovascular event.