title: Erectile dysfunction. A guide to diagnosis and management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common age related problem best managed in general practice. The incidence of ED will thus increase as men live longer. It is only in the past decade that the pathophysiology of ED has been well understood.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article discusses the mechanisms of normal erectile function and dysfunction and the assessment and management of ED.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The success of currently available and newly emerging oral agents has revolutionised the management of ED. However, the majority of men with ED remain undiagnosed and untreated and patients are often unable to distinguish between a problem of ED, desire or libido. It is particularly important for general practitioners to enquire about ED in middle aged and older men, diabetics and patients with vascular disease. Appropriate management goes beyond management of the actual condition, and involves addressing lifestyle and psychosocial issues.
authors.affiliation: Men's Health Clinic, Freemasons Hospital, Victoria. info@fmh.com.au
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arduca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology; D015917:Penile Prosthesis; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014739:Victoria
chemical_list: D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors