Key issues in the physiology of erection are central nervous control, perip
heral autonomic neurotransmission, cavernous smooth muscle relaxation and i
ntracellular signal transmission. Modern therapy of erectile dysfunction is
based on this increased knowledge, resulting in new options for oral pharm
acotherapy such as sildenafil or apomorphine. In addition this article pays
particular attention to the topics of anejaculation, age-related changes i
n sexuality and testosterone substitution therapy.