Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Diabetes Mellitus

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain /or maintain an erection of the penis adequate for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This condition has been found to be more common, to occur earlier and to be more difficult to treat in men with Diabetes mellitus (DM) than those without DM. However, recent developments have led to improvement in the treatment of this condition with attendant reduction in associated psychosocial problems. This review article discusses the various treatment strategies for ED in men with DM, brings to fore the need for prior assessment of cardiovascular status of such patients before commencement of treatment for ED as well as the need for adequate glycaemic control and treatment of other co-morbidities in these patients.