Abstract
Erectile dysfunction has been well recognized as a marker of increased cardiovascular risk for more than 15 yers, especially in younger men. Early detection of erectile dysfunction represents an oportunity to intervene to decreasse the risk of future cardiovascular events and limit the progression of ED severity.
Erectile dysfunction shares risk factors of a serious cardiovascular event in men 30-60 years and in diabetics, the time interval is 2-5 years. The ideal treatment of ED should be easy to administer, not invasive, not painful and highly efficacious, with minimal side effects.
Modern oral form erectile dysfunction therapy in the first line by inhibitors phosphodiesterase 5 type is safe and effective and is well tolerated. Intracavernosal therapy in the second line is effective in diabetics, in men with cardiovascular diseases and in men after radical prostatectomy.
A new method in erectile dysfunction therapy is low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy which produces neovascularisation. Lifestyle modification (intensive exercise and decrease in Body Mass Index) can improve erectile function.