Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to perform satisfactory sexual intercourse. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction include hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, age, smoking and physical inactivity.
Erectile dysfunction appears as the first symptom of coronary artery disease 2 - 3 years before the onset of symptoms of coronary insufficiency. First-line treatment consists in the administration of PDE5 inhibitors, topical prostaglandin E1, shock waves or vacuum divices.
The second line is intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1, the third line is represented by implantation of a penile prosthesis.