THE USE OF ALPROSTADIL [PROSTAGLANDIN E,] INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTION FOR ASSESSMENT OF PENILE HEAMODYNAMICS IN IMPOTENT DIABETICS

Abstract

Impotence is one of the most common complications among diabetic men. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes has been estimated to be between 35 and 75 % . Patients with both type I or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

and type [I or non-insulin dependent diabetes are vulnerable to microangiopathy, macroangiopathy and neuropathy. In recent years, interest has centered up on the pathogenesis of impotence in diabetic patients, and psychological, endocrinal, vascular and neurological causes have all been suggested, although it is now accepted that diabetic arteriopathy and neuropathy are the most important factors. Diabetic impotence may present in two ways: firstly there may be a transient period of erectile dysfunction usually at the onset of the disease, which usually resolves with control of diabetes. However, the majority of patients develop irreversible ED later in the course of the disease with gradual onset. This can be associated with loss of libido and ejaculatory dysfunctions. Several vasoactive drugs have been used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This was initiated by Virag in 1982.