Erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent disorder which is frequently associated with loss of selfesteem and a reduced quality of life. The condition affects not only the individual, but also their partner. As it is strongly age-related, the incidence of erectile dysfunction is likely to increase with the ‘graying’ of society.

Rapid advances have recently been made in our understanding of the mechanisms of penile erection and the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. These have now been translated into a number of safe and effective treatment possibilities that offer a practical solution to the large numbers of men and their partners who are suffering as a result of this disorder. These therapies need to be employed in a goal-oriented manner, with careful attention being paid to patient preferences.

Unfortunately, many health-care practitioners are still too embarrassed to discuss sexual problems frankly and, as a consequence, avoid raising these issues with their patients. The onus now falls on those who care for the many patients with erectile dysfunction to initiate the discussion and to inform and instruct them and their partners as to the cause of their problem, and the safest and most effective means by which natural erectile function may be restored and sexual activity resumed.

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