The Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common age-related sexual dysfunction. It can be a treatment challenge for the therapist because it is notoriously associated with psychological, physical and relational risk factors. Typically, ED adversely impacts the man's self esteem, partner satisfaction and the couple's intimate relationship. This sexual dysfunction is often co-morbid with physical risk factors such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, especially as the man ages. Medical treatments for ED are improving rapidly; however, physicians rarely involve the partner in discussion of the remedies. The treatment for ED must address all of the contributory bio-psycho-social factors in the individual and couple; thus, it must be comprehensive, intimacy-based, and integrative.

KEYWORDS:

• erectile dysfunction
• intersystemic
• integrative
• comprehensive
• couples therapy
• intimacy-based