Erectile Dysfunction in the Elderly

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder among older men. In the elderly, chronic comorbidities and the decline of physiologic processes associated with aging combine to impair erectile function. Nevertheless, the desire for sexual activity persists in many older men despite the occurrence of ED, which consequently can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Multiple safe, efficacious, and convenient options for the treatment of ED have produced excellent results in elderly men, but their application requires an understanding of nuances related to comorbidities, medication interactions, and physical limitations inherent in that population. This review will focus on those nuances, as well as recent advances in the field, with a comprehensive discussion on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, comorbidities, evaluation, and treatment of ED in the elderly.