The 2018 Revision to the Process of Care Model for Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction

In 2018, the Process of Care Model for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) was updated to incorporate a comprehensive approach to ED evaluation, recognizing the condition's psychological and organic components. The revision introduced the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) for severity assessment and emphasized the importance of understanding a patient's sexual habits. It recommended a thorough evaluation process, including medical and sexual history, physical and psychological examination, laboratory testing, and specialized tests if necessary. The document highlighted the association of ED with various risk factors and comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and the potential of ED to serve as an early indicator for other health conditions. It also noted the impact of lifestyle factors, surgical history, medication history, and substance use on erectile function. The update was evidence-based, designed to be accessible to a wide range of health care providers, and funded by Pfizer Inc., with disclosures of consultancy or employment with pharmaceutical companies by the authors.