Erectile dysfunction - overview from a cardiovascular perspective.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an evolving health problem with growing incidence in the ageing male population with potentially predictive value for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. ED shares the common cardiovascular risk factors. The aetiology of ED is numerous including neurogenic, psychogenic, arteriogenic, and venogenic reasons. The origin of arteriogenic ED is frequently atherosclerosis. Patients not adequately responding to conservative measures including oral medication are often referred to further vascular diagnostics and therapy. At present, the refinements in endovascular therapy allow for minimal-invasive revascularization of erection-related arteries. The role of endovascular therapy in the complex framework of the multifactorial causes of ED requires further scientific scrutiny.