The objective this review is to present an overview of current practice in the management of erectile dysfunction and discuss the evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of these pharmacological treatments. Since sildenafil was introduced more than 10 years ago, highly selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have changed the medical management of erectile dysfunction (ED). Effective treatment of ED may restore quality of life and allow patients to return to the sex life they had before. Current therapeutic management includes oral therapies. Oral administration of PDE5i is considered the first-line treatment for ED. PDE5i can elevate the levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum and effectively improve ED of various causes and degrees. Three types of PDE5i are currently available, sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. All of them are effective, with similar efficacy and safety profiles. The use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) resulted in a 76% successful intercourse rate with treatment, compared with 22% in a control group. Patients receiving 5, 10 or 20 mg vardenafil (Levitra®) experienced significantly improved erections, with 85% of 20mg vardenafil cases reporting improved erectile function, compared with 28% of placebo cases. The characteristics of this treatment are well known for their immediate effect. On the other hand, management of ED with Tadalafil (Chalis®) is characterized by long-term efficacy and easy acceptance by patients and their partners. Tadalafil is also efficacious in the improvement of male lower urinary tract symptoms, and has been licensed for such symptoms in Europe.
