Erectile and Clitoral Dysfunction as Harbingers of Cardiovascular Disease: A Perspective

Sexual dysfunction (SD), more specifically vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) in women, is increasingly recognized as a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While extensive literature documents vasculogenic ED as an early warning sign of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other atherosclerotic manifestations, the evidence for analogous phenomena in women is emerging but less mature. This perspective explores epidemiologic associations, shared pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical implications, and screening paradigms for ED and FSAD as cardiovascular (CV) risk-enhancing conditions. This perspective endorses that clinicians should incorporate genital vasculogenic SD into CV risk stratification and that multidisciplinary care (primary care, cardiology, urology/gynecology) is warranted. A summary table outlines key features and actionable steps.