Pharmacological Treatment of Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25759/spmfr.474Keywords:
Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction, Pharmacological TreatmentAbstract
Erection is a primary event in men’s sexual function, and is particularly valued in this population. Satisfactory sexual function is therefore a key factor for quality of life. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficiently rigid for sexual performance. It may have several aetiologies and is therefore transversal to several medical specialties. Despite being primordial, it continues to be an area frequently undervalued/undertreated, due to the difficulty in approaching it, still usually considered a “taboo” by today’s society. Sexual dysfunction of neurological aetiology, either central or peripheral, is often integrated in the context of complex pathologies, which result in multiple neuro-motor, cognitive-behavioural and functional sequels, with repercussions on the relationship of the patient and/or couple. Due to its importance and as a contributing factor to the individual’s overall functionality and quality of life, sexual function should be valued by the medical team and be an integral part of a holistic approach to the patient. This must consider multiple factors affecting sexual function, beyond the medical condition, including the biopsychosocial context of the individual or couple, their sexual history, beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, comorbidities leading to vascular/endothelial damage, usual medication affecting sexual function, and the psychosocial impact of neurogenic erectile dysfunction. This complexity in the approach and treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction makes it a real challenge. Treatment may include a pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach, and information and counselling about the disease are essential strategies. Pharmacological therapy is often included in the medical approach to this pathology and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors have been the most widely used drugs over the past 20 years, due to their safety and efficacy profile. The present article aims to provide an overview of the etiopathogenesis of neurogenic erectile dysfunction, as well as its pharmacological approach.Downloads
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