The management of erectile dysfunction in the community

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widely occurring benign disorder that affect s men of all ages. The prevalence and severity of ED increases with age and results in considerable distress and impact on quality of life for those w ho suffer from it. As ED is associated with a wide variety of underlying co nditions and co-morbidities there is a requirement for diversity of treatme nt options beyond those currently available. In the management of the ED pa tient both primary care and specialist physicians have an important role to play. This article reports on a stepwise approach for the diagnosis and tr eatment of ED, with an emphasis on a 'shared care' approach. The suitabilit y of apomorphine SL (Uprima") for the front line management of the ED patie nt is described.