Treatment of impotence. Proven and promising methods.

During the past decade or so, considerable progress has been made in treatment of erectile dysfunction. Implantation of a penile prosthesis, either semirigid or inflatable, has enabled men made impotent by organic disease or, in some cases, psychologic problems to resume sexual intercourse. Although both types of implants have disadvantages as well as advantages, the disadvantages are being minimized by continuing improvement in the devices. Microsurgical techniques are being devised for correcting impotence due to arterial insufficiency or abnormal venous drainage of the penis. Until these techniques are perfected, however, penile implants remain the surgical treatment of choice. Drugs and electrostimulation are being investigated for treatment of impotence, and further experience will better establish their place in therapeutic management.