Diabetes, hypertension and erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED), macrovascular disease and microangiopathy. ED is very common among diabetic patients. Men with DM have ED at an earlier age and with a significantly higher prevalence (as high as 75%). The prevalence of DM also tends to be higher in patients with Peyronie's disease. DM impairs neurogenic and endothelium-mediated relaxation of penile smooth muscle. It is impossible to separate DM from hypertension and from the other vascular risk factors. Good glycaemic and hypertension control in diabetics is very important since these factors increase the risk of both microvascular and macrovascular complications, possibly including ED.