Erectile Dysfunction in Primary Care: Protocol

Abstract

Penile erection is a complex physiological process, dependent on various factors, such as neurological, vascular, muscular and psychological, and fundamental to a man’s sex life and consequent well-being. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient to allow satisfactory sexual performance. This symptom can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, as well as that of his sexual partners, and is strongly related to modifiable risk factors and cardiovascular disease. Primary health care is the most likely setting to address this issue, and family doctors must be prepared to act appropriately. With this in mind, using the guidelines of the European Association of Urology as the main bibliographic basis and adapting them to clinical practice, this protocol was drawn up to be used in all aspects associated with sexual dysfunction and the patient’s biopsychosocial context. In a practical and organized way, it is intended that, in SOAP record format, it will be possible to assess the patient and offer a therapeutic plan that suits their needs and expectations in order to improve their quality of life and prevent worsening of their individual state of health, without fear of medication or guidance, with the appropriate scientific knowledge.