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Why is there a need for an interdisciplinary approach to assess erectile dysfunction?
Marjan Khajehei, Sydney South West Private Hospital, New South Wales, 2170, Australia
Author contributions: Khajehei M solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Marjan Khajehei, PhD Sexology, 2b Glenn Ave, Northmead, NSW, 2152, Australia. mar_far76@yahoo.com
Telephone: +61-2-86269543
Received: October 14, 2013
Revised: November 26, 2013
Accepted: December 13, 2013
Published online: March 24, 2014
Revised: November 26, 2013
Accepted: December 13, 2013
Published online: March 24, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Erectile dysfunction (ED) per se is not a life-threatening problem but it is a harbinger of more serious vascular impairments. Indeed, a strong correlation has been documented between the severity of ED and the severity of vascular diseases, myocardial infarction and stroke. The vascular symptoms are demonstrated 2-3 years on average after exhibition of the first symptoms of erectile dysfunction. This gap provides enough time to intervene and prevent subsequent vascular problems. Notwithstanding, the predictability of subsequent vascular disease may be missed as these patients are not simultaneously evaluated by an urologist and a cardiologist.