Cardiovascular Issues in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

The cardiovascular response to sexual activity worries a lot of men and women, particularly if a coronary or vascular event has already occurred. The fear of inducing another cardiac episode is fuelled by many myths including the assumption that sex is an extreme stress to the heart, driven to some extent by media/internet distortion. Adding the anxiety that treating ED may increase cardiac risk, and we have a recipe for relationship stress or breakdown and couple frustration. Many agree with the concept that ED is ``a man's problem but a couple's concern{''} because it invariably is, though at times is not managed as such. Though this chapter addresses an organic condition, it is important not to compartmentalize ED too rigidly men with organic ED may, and often do, have psychological problems as well, and men with a predominantly psychological etiology may also have organic issues.