[Erectile dysfunction]

Erectile dysfunction is somatically (anatomical, vascular, neurogenic, hormonal defect), psychologically and socially conditioned. For the diagnosis and treatment assessment of the ratio of psychogenic and non-psychogenic influences is decisive. The basis is a detailed case-history, somatic examination, result of testing the effect exerted by local negative pressure on erection, intracavernous administration of vasoactive substances and possibly other examinations. From this ensues the range of provisions: regime, relations, psychological, psychotherapeutic (with emphasis on behavioural aspects), medicamentous (non-invasive and invasive), physical and surgical. The limited information of health workers and other people on this problem calls for intensive educational activities.