Erectile Dysfunction in Primary Care

In Brief Since the approval of sildenafil (Viagra) in 1998, millions of men have sought treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite the prevalence of the problem, recent studies suggest that clinicians still do not pay enough attention to sexual health, and fail to properly evaluate, educate, counsel, and follow-up with patients. ED should be addressed seriously because it can be a marker or symptom of an underlying medical or psychological disorder, or a side effect of a medication that causes discontinuation of use and devastating effects on quality of life.