Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction (Part 2)

Other important factors include heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, and physical activity. Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption may have an irreversible effect on erectile function because of neurological damage; specifically, changes in drinking habits may not influence erectile function. Chronic drug abuse, especially combined with alcohol consumption, can lead to erectile disorders, specifically because of behavioral changes. The link between ED and the use of certain medications is underestimated.

A close link exists between ED and pelvic surgery, with rates ranging up to 80%. In this case, radical prostatectomy, cystectomy, and radical pelvic surgery are considered. Trans-urethral resection of the prostate plays an unclear role.

The rise in the prevalence of worldwide ED, coupled with the new high-profile medi-cal treatments, is raising policy issues. National health systems that are already under-funded are facing unexpected requests for resources and challenges to current government funding priorities. The wide range of treatment options available since the arrival of new oral drugs effective for the treatment of ED has, above all, re-opened the debate over ration-ing and funding priorities.