ABSTRACT
Before considering the appropriate assessment of a man who presents with ED it is important to consider what the objectives of that assessment are, and this is particularly relevant in an era where oral therapy is effective for the majority of sufferers, regardless of the aetiology. In the past extensive investigations were undertaken, partly to identify the cause of the ED, as this often dictated therapy. Such extensive investigation is now considered unnecessary for the majority of patients, and a ‘goal-orientated’ approach is usually taken. With this in mind, the objectives of therapy are asa follows :
■ The first objective of patient assessment is to confirm the diagnosis. This is best done by means of a detailed sexual history.
