Pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction in diabetic males

Introduction: Numerous studies have highlighted the intimate association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the true pathogenesis of ED among diabetic men has not yet been fully discovered. The treatment of ED in diabetic patients remains an interesting area of research. The last two decades have witnessed phenomenal advances in the management of ED with the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for ED in diabetic patients encouraging, especially with introduction of innovative conservative tools for treatment. Areas covered: The aim of this review is to discuss the currently available information on ED pharmacotherapy in diabetic males and provide an expert perspective on the current treatment strategies. Expert opinion: Conservative treatment remains the initial step for the treatment of ED in diabetic patients. This kind of therapy consists of different modalities including: oral treatments, intracavernosal pharmacotherapy, and evolving modalities such as soluble guanylate cyclase activators, stem cells (SCs), and alternative treatments such as herbal treatment and transdermal/topical pharmacotherapy. However, it should be noted that the currently available pharmacotherapy is still far from ideal. One hopes to witness new drugs and technologies that may revolutionize ED treatment in the future, especially in such complex cases as DM.