Erectile dysfunction is defined as a consistent inability to obtain or sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse in at least 50% of attempts. The term erectile dysfunction has replaced the more pejorative term impotence. A revolution over the past 10 years in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder has enhanced the ability to discuss it more openly than ever before, by both patients and physicians. This disorder affects 10 million to 30 million men in the United States and more than 140 million men worldwide.<sup>12 Furlow W.L. Prevalence of impotence in the United States Aspects Hum Sexuality 1985 ;  19 : 13-16

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 33 NIH Consensus Panel on Impotence Impotence JAMA 1993 ;  270 : 83-90

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> In 1996, there were 1.3 million office visits for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, reported by the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, more than double the rate found in 1985.<sup>7 Centers for Disease Control 1996 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for Health Statistics (1998). 

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 32 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease Washington, DC: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (1995).  NIH Publication 95-3923.

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> There are few disorders that impact quality of life, sense of self and esteem, and relationships with significant others in quite the same way. Although erectile dysfunction is discussed more openly, many myths remain. With aging, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases. This prevalence does not represent normal aging, however, any more than hypertension is considered to be normal in an older adult, and erectile dysfunction is not an inevitable effect of aging. Further, a decline in sexual function may relate to matters other than erectile difficulties, such as illness on the part of an individual or his partner, lack of a partner, loss of libido, or environmental issues (e.g., institutional living).