[Erectile impotence. Organic causes and diagnosis].

The fashionable assumption that most cases of impotence are due to psychological problems is rooted in myth and often leads physicians to miss a wide range of possible physical causes. Since many metabolic, neurologic or cardiovascular disorders may cause sexual impairment, sexual and general history have to be done with utmost care and are the key to further work-up. Each systemic disorder has to be tested in regard to its significance for the sexual dysfunction. Since many drugs have a negative effect on sexual function the patient has to be asked for the medicaments he uses. A minimal laboratory work-up is required in order to get an idea of the patient's general condition.