Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Impotence

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain adequate penile erection (or both) for satisfactory intercourse.1 In the United States it is estimated that approximately 10 million to 18 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction.2 Penile erection is a complex phenomenon involving precisely timed neurologic and vascular responses. Although in the past erectile dysfunction has been attributed to psychogenic causes or explained as a normal part of the aging process, we now know that an organic etiology can be found to explain most cases of impotence. Organic impotence can be due to ȧ variety of causative factors including vascular, neurogenic, endocrinologic, and anatomic abnormalities. Vasculogenic impotence is likely the most common cause of organic impotence.3–6