The burden and extent of comorbid conditions in patients with erectile dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem in men. Under-reporting of ED is widespread, largely because of the embarrassing nature of the condition.


OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews the comorbid conditions that are commonly found in patients with ED patients and discusses the implications.


CONCLUSIONS
Erectile dysfunction is often associated with other disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lower urinary tract symptoms. Although the aetiology of ED is multifactorial, some of the associated comorbid conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, can be a primary cause of ED. Similarly, ED could be a useful marker for comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Effective treatments for ED are available, including the three phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors sildenafil citrate, tadalafil and vardenafil HCl.


CONCLUSIONS
Thorough medical screening of patients with ED is advisable, as this could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of comorbid conditions. Conversely, men with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression may have undiagnosed ED and should be questioned appropriately to ascertain any erectile problems and initiate appropriate treatment.
Hackett
G
G
Good Hope Hospital, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield, UK. geoff.hackett@virgin.net
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D017281:Cost of Illness; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000150:complications; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D053448:Prostatism / Q000150:complications; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications