ICD-10 Code: F52.21
Erectile disorder is part of a cluster of diagnoses called the sexual dysfunctions. Sexual dysfunctions are a group of psychiatric conditions that include:
Sexual dysfunctions are characterized by a significant impairment in a person's ability to respond sexually or to experience sexual pleasure. This can refer to an inability to perform or reach an orgasm, painful sexual intercourse, a strong repulsion of sexual activity, or an exaggerated sexual response cycle or sexual interest. An individual may have several sexual dysfunctions at the same time.
Biology, Psychology, and Sexual Functions
Several factors can disrupt sexual functioning. Medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or other nerve damage, diabetes, endocrine (hormonal) disorders, and prostatitis can all lead to problems of sexual interest or sexual capacity. Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may have sexual side effects. Some age-related vascular, nerve-related, and hormonal changes can also adversely affect sexual functioning. It is important to note that when sexual dysfunctions can be primarily attributed to one or more of these biological factors, it should not be diagnosed as a psychiatric disorder, and treatment should target the underlying medical problem. However, in many cases, medical concerns can contribute to a sexual problem, though not necessarily be the primary cause of the problem. In such cases, a psychiatric diagnosis may be appropriate.
Other psychiatric disorders can adversely affect sexual function. As one example, Major Depressive Disorder may be characterized by decreased interest in all or almost all of one's usual activities. Sexual interest, therefore, may be diminished. In such cases, a separate diagnosis of a sexual dysfunction is not warranted. However, as was the case with medical conditions, other psychiatric disorders can contribute to a sexual problem, though not necessarily be the primary cause of the problem. In such cases, a diagnosis of a sexual dysfunction may be appropriate.
Several psychological issues, even in the absence of a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Negative body image may lead to feelings of anxiety around sexuality, inhibiting desire or capacity. Performance anxiety may similarly lead to problems of sexual function. Stressors, such as work or family concerns, may preoccupy the individual, affecting sexual interest or performance. A history of sexual trauma or other negative historical events may create negative associations with sexuality, thus undermining function. In such cases, a diagnosis of a sexual dysfunction is usually warranted.
Relationship factors can also contribute to problems of sexual functioning. At a purely physical level, often an individual's sexual concerns stem not from a problem within the individual, but from a lack of appropriate sexual stimulation from his or her partner. At an interpersonal level, some couples suffer from poor sexual communication, have poor understanding of sexuality, have different desires or preferences for sexual activity, or feel negatively about each other. All of these factors have the potential to adversely affect sexual arousal or performance. Such cases should not be diagnosed as a psychiatric disorder. Again, however, relationship problems can contribute to a sexual problem, though not necessarily be the primary cause of the problem. In such cases, a diagnosis of a sexual dysfunction may be appropriate.
The etiology of a sexual dysfunction is frequently unclear, and clinical judgment is needed. Often, multiple possible explanations need to be explored, using both medical and psychiatric examination procedures.
Sexuality is a complex process, coordinated by the neurologic, vascular and endocrine systems. Individually, sexuality incorporates family, societal and religious beliefs, and is altered with aging, health status and personal experience. In addition, sexual activity incorporates interpersonal relationships, each partner bringing unique attitudes, needs and responses into the coupling. All of these contribute to an individual's sexuality in varying degrees at any point in time as well as developing and changing throughout the life cycle. A breakdown in any of these areas may lead to sexual dysfunction.
The prevalence of erectile disorder is unknown. Approximately 2% of men younger than 40-50 years old, and 40-50% of men older than 60-70, indicate they have frequent problems with erections. Erectile disorder is characterized by the following symptoms in sexual activity:
There are five factors that should be taken into consideration during the assessment and diagnosis of erectile disorder:
As described the "What is Erectile Disorder" section above, not all incidents of erectile dysfunction in men warrants a diagnosis of Erectile Disorder. Medical issues, adverse effects of drugs or medications, or relationship problems can all impact erectile functioning.
Many men with erectile disorder may have low self-esteem or self-confidence, a decreased sense of masculinity, and may experience depressed affect. They may avoid sexual encounters for fear of sexual dysfunction. This avoidance of sexual encounters may interfere with the ability to develop intimate relationships. Their partners commonly report reduced sexual satisfaction and reduced sexual desire. Thus, this disorder can interfere with fertility and produce both individual and interpersonal distress.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors. Some of the potential causes are vascular, neurological, iatrogenic, tumors, substance use or endocrine disorders. Risk factors for developing erectile disorder include age, smoking tobacco, lack of physical exercise, and diabetes. The incidence of erectile disorder increases with age. Erectile problems are common in men diagnosed with depression or posttraumatic stress disorder.
As described the "Understanding Erectile Disorder" section aboe, not all incidents of erectile dysfunction in men warrants a diagnosis of Erectile Disorder. Therefore, not all treatments for erectile dysfunction are psychiatric. If a diagnosis is warranted, there are treatment options available. Published treatment guidelines for erectile disorder include those from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, American Urological Association, and American Family Physician.
First Line Treatments
Second Line Treatments
In cases of nonresponse to first-line treatment, alternative treatments with reasonable evidence of efficacy include:
Third Line Treatments
When patients do not respond adequately to the first- and second-line treatments described above, other strategies might include:
Additional Treatments to Consider
Preliminary evidence suggests that the following strategies, while not a substitute for the more well-validated treatments described above, might be considered.