Relationship factors in the development and maintenance of ED: implications for treatment effectiveness.
BACKGROUND
With the advent of effective medical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), there has been a reduced focus in recent years on the role of relationship in the development of this disorder.


OBJECTIVE
This article examines the contribution of relationship factors to the success or otherwise of different treatment approaches for ED.


METHODS
The results of findings in the literature on the association between relationship factors and the development and maintenance of ED. Methods. This article reviews and evaluates the literature that relates to the role of relationship factors in the development and maintenance of ED.


RESULTS
The current review demonstrates that relationship dynamics are frequently dysfunctional among men with ED. Research demonstrates that addressing these problems is likely to improve the effectiveness of therapy. However, there have been limited studies conducted in this area; many of these studies are methodologically flawed, and so it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
There needs to be further research on the association between relationship factors and ED. Suggestions for future research that include combined medical and psychological interventions for ED are proposed.
Deakin University, School of Psychology, Melbourne, Australia. maritam.mccabe@deakin.edu.au
Marita P
MP
McCabe
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003142:Communication; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors