Pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION

Multiple regulatory systems are involved in normal erectile function. Disruption of psychological, neurological, hormonal, vascular, and cavernosal factors, individually, or in combination, can induced erectile dysfunction (ED). The contribution of neurogenic, vascular, and cavernosal factors was thoroughly reviewed by our committee, while psychological and hormonal factors contributing to ED were evaluated by other committees.

AIM

To provide state of the art knowledge on the physiology of ED.

METHODS

An international consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five different continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the pathophysiology of ED committee, there were seven experts from five different countries.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Expert opinion was based on the grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

RESULTS

The epidemiology and classification of neurogenic ED was reviewed. The evidence for the association between vascular ED and atherosclerosis/hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes was evaluated. In addition, the pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in vascular ED were defined, including: arterial remodeling, increased vasoconstriction, impaired neurogenic vasodilatation, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. The possible mechanisms underlying the association between chronic renal failure and ED were also evaluated as well as the evidence supporting the association of ED with various classes of medications.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of how diseases interfere with the physiological mechanisms that regulate penile erection has been achieved over the last few years, which helps establish a strategy for the prevention and treatment of ED.