Pharmacotherapeutic advances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

An estimated 20 million to 30 million American men have erectile dysfunctio n (ED), The past 2 decades of research defining erectile physiology and inv estigating the pathogenesis of ED have led to the recognition of a predomin antly vascular basis for organic male sexual dysfunction. These scientific advances have laid the foundation for the advent of pharmacotherapies, The Food and Drug Administration approval of intracavernosal, intraurethral, an d oral pharmacotherapeutics for ED has revolutionized nonsurgical managemen t of this condition. The primary care physician is faced with the challenge s of diagnosis and treatment of ED, as well as referral of patients to urol ogists. In this article, erectile physiology and pathophysiology are review ed, and pharmacotherapeutics are classified and discussed by their mechanis ms of action and the means of administration. A thorough understanding of t hese new therapeutic options is key to the accurate diagnosis and successfu l treatment of ED and maximal patient satisfaction and care.