The epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, and treatment of erectile dysfunction in chronic renal failure patients

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an associated morbidity for men with chronic r enal failure. An understanding of the epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, an d treatment options for ED can greatly improve the quality of life for men with chronic renal failure. There are psychological and physiological cause s for erectile dysfunction. Once the key features leading to the patient's loss of potency have been identified, appropriate treatment plans can be in stituted, often with successful outcomes. The purpose of this article is to assist the nephrology interdisciplinary team in the management of ED by re viewing possible causes, available studies, and treatment options for their patients. (C) 1999 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.