Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized as a potential early marker of systemic vascular disease. The penile arteries, being relatively small, may exhibit endothelial dysfunction before larger coronary vessels.
The pathophysiology of erection involves nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation and smooth muscle relaxation within the corpora cavernosa. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia impair this mechanism.
The American Urological Association recommends cardiovascular risk stratification in men presenting with ED.
Management includes lifestyle modification, pharmacologic therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and treatment of underlying metabolic disorders.
Recognizing ED as a systemic health indicator improves erotic preventive care strategies.
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