[Disorders of potency in the male--recent etiologic and diagnostic aspects].

Sexual function is impaired by organic, iatrogenic, or psychic causes. The results of numerous studies recently undertaken revealed that organic, especially vascular causes are more common than thought of before. It may be assumed that sexual dysfunction is caused by arteriosclerosis of the penile arteries alone in about 40% of the patients over 40. In addition, other organic (local, endocrine, neurogenic, a.o.) as well as iatrogenic causes (abdominal or pelvic surgery, side effects of drugs) have been observed. Consequently, the number of cases due to psychic factors is considerably below 50%.