Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common conditions affecting middle-aged and older men. Nearly every primary care physician, internist and geriatrician will be called upon to manage this condition or to make referrals to urologists, endocrinologists and cardiologists who will assist in the treatment of ED. This article will briefly discuss the diagnosis and management of ED. In addition, emerging concepts in ED management will be discussed, such as the use of testosterone to treat ED, the role of the endothelium in men with ED and treating the partner of the man with ED. Finally, future potential therapies for ED will be discussed.
There is insufficient information on the safety of vardenafil in men with the following health disorders:

Medicines to help produce erections – pills such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) − are typically used in combination with other therapies or devices. Since the drugs might not produce an erection because they need the nerves responsible for erections to be healthy, penile injections or vacuum devices might be offered. See Managing Male Sexual Problems Related to Cancer to learn more.
ED is more than a quality of life issue; numerous studies have indicated that men with ED are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and even dying form cardiac disease.