Current Management of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent male sexual dysfunction that can be categorized into organic and psychological forms. The organic type is further subdivided into neurogenic, vasogenic, drug-induced, and endocrine subtypes, among others. Risk factors for ED include smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various psychological influences. Treatment strategies for managing the symptoms encompass lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, stem cell therapy, and surgical interventions. Pharmacological options consist of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, testosterone, and α-adrenoceptor antagonists, while physical modalities include vacuum erection devices, prostaglandin E1 injection, and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT). Surgical procedures such as penile prosthesis implantation, are typically reserved for patients unsuited to non-surgical approaches or those experiencing adverse effects or unresponsiveness to medical therapy. This review elaborates on key aspects of ED, investigates diverse pathological mechanisms associated with the disorder, and outlines current treatment modalities.