ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the consistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity (1). Transient ED and inadequate erection affects as many as 52% of men between the ages of 40 and 70, whilst chronic ED affects about 5% of men in their 40s and 15% to 25% of men by the age of 65, as reported by the first large epidemiological study on ED (2). The incidence of ED increases with age, however, it is important to remember that it is not an inevitable consequence of ageing and that advancing age does not preclude sexual interest. With increasing life expectancy, it is anticipated that both the incidence and prevalence of ED will rise.
