Recent developments in male sexual dysfunction

The past few years have witnessed major developments in the management of male sexual dysfunction. The introduction of the first efficacious and safe oral medication (sildenafil) resulted in the expansion of the patient base and, the change in health care delivery, with erectile dysfunction (ED) entering the primary care physician's practice. New guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ED have been developed, including the Process of Care in the USA and the 1st International Consultation on ED sponsored by the World Health Organization. Well-defined algorithms for diagnosis and treatment have been adopted. These recent developments have brought up challenging issues, including the cardiovascular safety of sexual activity, societal changes, internet prescriptions, definition of the patient, expansion of clinical and laboratory research, rise of interest in female sexual dysfunction, and a significant economic impact. The recent developments in male sexual dysfunction continue with the study of new oral medications. Some of these new medications, such as sublingual apomorphine, have a central mode of action, whereas others, such as the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IC351, have a selective peripheral vasodilation-enhancing action.