The investigators want to analyze the effect of Vardenafil on Erectile Dysfunstion and portal hemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis.

2 Phase 2 arm study

Phase A:

Baseline HVPG (Hepatic Venous Pressure Measurement) measurement, followed by 1 capsule of 10mg Vardenafil or Placebo (randomization 1:1) daily per oral for 7 days, HVPG measurement at day 7

Phase B:

1 capsule of 10mg Vardenafil or Placebo (randomization 1:1) ad libidum per oral for 28 days

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male patients aged older than 18 years with mild to moderate (Child´s Grade A or B) cirrhosis scheduled for hepatic hemodynamic investigation.
• Erectile dysfunction in medical history
• Following beta-blocker therapy will be allowed: carvedilol (up to the max. dose of 25 mg) and propranolol (up to the max. dose of 160 mg)
• Patient living in a stable relationship
• HVPG (Hepatic Venous Pressure Measurement)>= 10 mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

• HVPG <10
• HVPG > 20 mmHg and varices, unless ligated and treated in an eradication program within 6 months
• history of variceal bleeding without secondary prophylaxis with beta blocker or endoscopic band ligation
• History of endoscopically diagnosed large varices with red spots without previous bleeding and without prophylactic beta blocker or endoscopic band ligation
• History of hypersensitivity to the trial drugs and contrast agent or to drugs with a similar chemical structure
• Treatment with vasoactive or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or systemic antibiotics one week before the study
• Exclusion criteras for hepatic hemodynamic investigation
• Cardiac, renal or respiratory failure
• previous surgical or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
• insulin-dependent diabetes
• Child´s Grade C cirrhosis