Current problems in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological impotence

Abstract

The recent psychiatric experience with sex therapy of impotent men has enabled clinicians to acquire extensive experience with this symptom, has reemphasized the need for careful differential diagnosis, and has increased awareness of our knowledge deficits. Important unanswered questions concerning the diagnosis or treatment of impotent men are the following: (1) What is the role of constitutional factors? (2) What mediates the loss of erectile capacity with age? (3) Which impotent men should have penile implants? (4) How effective is conjoint sex therapy for psychological impotence? (5) What should be the role of surrogate partners? Scientifically derived answers to these questions may revolutionize the therapeutic approach to impotence.