1 Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects perhaps 25 to 30 million men in the U.S.A. constituting one of the most significant concerns of sex therapists from various disciplines. Depending on age, 10 to 52 percent of all men can be expected to experience at least temporary ED during their lifetime.

Treatment for ED has traditionally included the following modalities:
(1) Individual Therapy;
(2) Conjoint Therapy;
(3) Cognitive Therapy;
(4) Sensate Focus;
(5) Sexual Exercises such as the Squeeze Technique of Masters & Johnson;
(6) Group Therapy;
(7) There is also a Collaborative Model with a urologist and a psychiatrist[1].

The Collaborative Model begins with a urological examination which may include duplex ultrasonography and nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) studies. The etiology of the erectile dysfunction can thereby be established to be primarily psychogenic. The results of this phase of evaluation are explained to both the patient and his significant other.

The Collaborative Model also involves a psychiatric consultation with a psychiatrist experienced in sex therapy. After a comprehensive psychosexual history, including a review of the treatments employed to date; a psy chiatric diagnosis is made. The meaning of this diagnosis is explained to both the patient and his partner at which time a treatment plan is developed. A key premise in this Model is that an erection is guaranteed initially even if it has to be produced by mechanical or other medical means such as via cavernosal injections[2-21].

The purpose of this study is to clinically determine the efficacy of a new medication for the treatment of ED a phosphodiesterase inhibitor within the framework of the Collaborative Model.

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