Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and maintain penile rigidity sufficient to allow sexual intercourse. Although erectile dysfunction is usually considered a benign disorder, it has a dramatic impact on quality of life of the patients as well as their sexual partners. And it is common in men between the age of 40 and 70 years, and its incidence increases with age. The prevalence is reported to occupy 10% at the age of 40 years, 20% in 50s, 30% in 60s and 50% at the age of 70 years, and is more prevalent as stress in modern life and interest onsexual behavior increase. This article has aims to investigate and summarize the current trend of treatment for erectiledysfunction so as to suggest the effective and available way to treat the disease. In oriental medicine, erectile dysfunction has been treated with herb medicine and acupuncture with good results. Some of herb drugs have the substances which induce penile erection. So it should be investigated on the neurotransmitter or endothelial mediator which can be included in herb drugs. The acupuncture therapy stimulates the erectile nerves and is reported to be effective for erectile dysfunction. And suppository, locus injection therapy and topical agent are found to be effective as well as stellate ganglion block and biofeedback treatment. So the study on the approach and application of these treatments on erectile dysfunction would be necessary.
