Erectile dysfunction: prevalence, etiology, and major risk factors.

Erectile dysfunction is a multifactorial condition that may include psychological, neurologic, hormonal, vascular, or cavemosal impairment, or a combination of these factors. Major risk factors include aging, depression, and lifestyle. The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction can be an indicator for undiagnosed diseases, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in the United States, affecting approximately 30 million men. Erectile dysfunction in the majority of men remains undiagnosed, and many men who receive treatment discontinue it because of general dissatisfaction with real-life issues that can have an impact on therapeutic success. Early identification, behavior modification, and increased therapeutic options may improve patient outcomes.