title: Erectile dysfunctions.
abstract: Erectile dysfunction is one of the prime challenges confronting the treating physician. Its prevalence is directly proportional to aging. It is imperative to comprehend the intricate mechanism of erection in order to individualize the approach to management. Thus, it is appropriate to evaluate the etiology of erectile dysfunction. Normal aging, as well as psychogenic, vascular, neurogenic, and endocrinologic causes and/or those due to structural abnormalities of the penis should be considered when evaluating details to determine its probable cause. An increasing use of drugs, a legacy of civilization, has considerably compounded the problem. Therapy for erectile dysfunction, apart from psychosexual counseling, includes medical treatment by alpha adrenoceptor antagonists, dopamine agonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, sublingual apomorphine hydrochloride, or hormone therapy. Transdermal or transurethral corporeal drug delivery are other possible treatment modalities. Vacuum devices and surgical approaches are considered relevant only in refractory cases.
authors.affiliation: The Dermato-Venereology (Skin/VD) Centre, Sehgal Nursing Home, Panchwati, Azadpur, Delhi, India. drsehgal@ndf.vsnl.net.in
authors.forename: Virendra N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Sehgal
authors.forename: Govind
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Srivastava
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome