Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: treatment options.

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem after radical prostatectomy, with almost all men experiencing this complication for at least a short period after such surgery. There is evidence that early use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernous vasoactive drugs, intraurethral alprostadil or vacuum devices can improve the recovery of postoperative erectile function. The same therapeutic modalities can be used to treat erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. Physicians must be active and counsel patients and partners to improve adherence to penile rehabilitation or erectile dysfunction treatment.