Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for achieving a satisfactory sexual intercourse. There are many records about such issues in historical sources. It originates as a consequence of other illnesses, and seeing how the incidence of other illnesses increases with age, so does the incidence of erectile dysfunction. It is classified into organic, psychogenic and mixed erectile dysfunction. When diagnosing, it is important to perform a full physical exam, as well as blood tests in case of a hormonal imbalance, and there are a number of other vascular and neurological diagnostic methods, such as color doppler ultrasound, intracavernous injection and Rigiscan, all of which are often used. Fortunately, many methods of treating erectile dysfunction have hitherto been developed, both pharmaceutical, mechanical and surgical. Changing lifestyle habits is very important, considering that smoking and obesity are risk factors, and inhibitors of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 can be used as medication. Furthermore, medication can be applied transurethrally or via intracavernous injection. Mechanical ways of treating erectile dysfunction include a vacuum pump, and surgical ways include revascularization of an isolated stenosis or implanting a penile prosthesis, which are divided into malleable, mechanical and inflatable. Encouraging a patient to change his lifestyle habits can cure erectile dysfunction, and considering numerous treatment options open to patients there is no reason for this condition to lower their quality of life.