Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction. Where Do We Stand?

Charalampos Thomas, Charalampos Konstantinidis, Charalampos Thomas, Charalampos Konstantinidis

Abstract

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance, causing tremendous effects on both patients and their partners. The pathophysiology of ED remains a labyrinth. The underlying mechanisms of ED may be vasculogenic, neurogenic, anatomical, hormonal, drug-induced and/or psychogenic. Neurogenic ED consists of a large cohort of ED, accounting for about 10% to 19% of all cases. Its diversity does not allow an in-depth clarification of all the underlying mechanisms nor a "one size fits all" therapeutical approach. In this review, we focus on neurogenic causes of ED, trying to elucidate the mechanisms that lie beneath it and how we manage these patients.

Keywords: erectile dysfunction (ED); multiple sclerosis (MS); neurogenic; phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5I); sexual dysfunction (SD); spinal cord injury (SCI).

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Management algorithm for ED. Adapted from EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2020 [1].

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