Specific aspects of erectile dysfunction in endocrinology.

Prominent diseases of the endocrine system, such as diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia, may cause erectile dysfunction (ED). ED affects about 50% of male diabetic patients possibly due to the vascular and neuropathic complications. Metabolic control and selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are therapies of choice for controlling ED. By correcting hypogonadism, testosterone levels are restored. This, and the use of dopaminergic drugs, which normalize prolactin levels in male hyperprolactinemia, may be effective in reversing ED in these endocrine disorders.