Erectile dysfunction in the 21st century: whom we can treat, whom we cannot treat and patient education

Erectile dysfunction affects 31-52% of American men. Although considerable advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction in the past decade, more than 80% of men with erectile dysfunction are not treated because they do not seek medical attention or their physicians do not initiate a dialogue about sexual problems during their visits. This despite patients' desires to confront sexual problems and receive treatment. Most subgroups of men can now be effectively treated for sexual dysfunction. Although men with severe cardiac disease may require stabilization of their cardiac condition before treatment, most can successfully return to an active sex life. Some men, however, do not respond to the use of oral agents. These men can be treated with second- and third-line treatment modalities or with the newer concept of combined-modality treatment. Despite excellent treatment alternatives, many men have low libido or hypoactive sexual desire disorder. In the ultimate resolution of a patient's sexual dysfunction, physicians must open a free and sympathetic dialogue and offer a full spectrum of treatment modalities tailored to the individual patient and partner. If initial treatment modalities fail, more invasive alternatives or combination therapy should be offered to cure the patient's erectile dysfunction.