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

## TL;DR

Sexual dysfunction in men and women may signal early cardiovascular disease, suggesting the need for broader clinical evaluation.

## Contribution

This paper emphasizes the role of erectile and clitoral dysfunction as early indicators of cardiovascular disease in both genders.

## Key findings

- Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction is a recognized early marker of coronary artery disease.
- Female sexual arousal disorder may also indicate cardiovascular risk, though evidence is less mature.
- Multidisciplinary care is recommended to address sexual dysfunction as part of cardiovascular risk assessment.

## Abstract

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.