ABSTRACT
1 The history of erectile dysfunction Sachin Agrawal and William D Dunsmuir Introduction Throughout antiquity, erectile function has symbolized virility and manhood. Erections are special to the human male, since in most animals copulation is quick. In the rat, erection and ejaculation are almost simultaneous reflex events. In the dog, copulation lasts around 20 seconds. Even the African ostrich, renowned for his ostentatious courtship displays, completes the act within a minute. 1 Throughout nature, strategies have evolved to facilitate penetration. Mammals like the walrus, whale, and orangutan have ossified penile shafts. This os penis, os priapi, or baculum measures up to 3.5 m. However, for some species, survival does not depend on speed. Indeed, the protraction of sex has evolved perhaps solely in humans. Erectile dysfunction has been ever-present, with modern medical practice evolving through observation, experimentation, and refinement of ancient remedies. This chapter examines its impact, tracing its history from antiquity to the present day.
