Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have a strong negative effect on the well-bei
ng and quality of life of the sufferer. Many factors may contribute to the
development of this disorder; age in particular and also concomitant chroni
c illnesses including neurological, hormonal, arterial and cavernosal facto
rs. An understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of risk factors
for ED is required, in order to establish effective therapeutic strategies.
However, the prevalence of ED depends on the definitions used and the use
of an internationally established scale for the assessment of male sexual f
unction is necessary to facilitate the comparison of data between different
countries. Further epidemiologic research and analysis of individual risk
factors is required. Such studies will clarify the interactive effects of o
rganic factors and their probable etiology with the general physical, socio
cultural and psychologic status of patients. These efforts will make it pos
sible to design more effective future strategies for the treatment and prev
ention of ED.