Men frequently experience erectile dysfunction, but there is no single cause that studies have identified. However, according to recent research, one of the earliest genetic risk factors may have been discovered. The findings may help researchers find new treatments for E.D. and possibly even reverse the condition.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant that’s associated with erectile dysfunction. The study was release in Nature Communications due to a collaboration between Oxford University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
The researchers analyzed data from more than 20,000 people who underwent genotyping to identify genetic variants associated with E.D. They found one: rs1064395 on chromosome 3p14.1-p12 (near PDE5B) appeared to be specifically associated with E.D. among men in whom sexual function had been usual before they began taking erectile dysfunction drugs—but not among men who had never taken them before.
This result was replicated in two independent datasets totaling 7,457 participants and suggested an association between this genetic risk factor and E.D. overall across all ethnicities tested; it was also validated using data from more than 60,000 participants of European descent collected as part of the U.K. Biobank project; this finding was again replicated in the U.K. Biobank sample set.
The research team also noted that the findings might help researchers find new treatments for E.D. and possibly even reverse the condition.
“Undeniably, these findings are important to consider when dealing with erectile dysfunction,” said Dr. Matt Kaiser, an assistant professor of urology at U.C. San Diego Health who was not involved in the study but has published research on the topic in the past.
However, he cautioned that more research would be needed before considering this.
A team conducted the study at King’s College London, which analyzed genetic data from more than 430,000 men and women.
The team found that having one copy of the minor allele for the gene PCSK9 was associated with an almost 50 percent increased risk of erectile dysfunction compared to those without it.
The quality of life of men, their partners, and their families can be profoundly impacted by the widespread ailment known as erectile dysfunction (E.D.).
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or keep a strong enough erection to permit a satisfactory sexual experience (E.D.).
The reasons for E.D. include the following:
High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
These conditions can increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction by up to 50 percent.
Research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal found that smoking is also associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
While the study is a significant step forward in identifying the genetic underpinnings of male impotence, it will be some time before scientists fully understand how E.D. arises.
The findings may also have implications for women’s sexual health. “Our results clearly show that genes partly influence erectile dysfunction,” says Dr. Hsueh.
Before considering this in practice, more research must be done to replicate the findings in larger data sets.
The findings from this study are exciting, but some important limitations must be considered. First, the study was done on a small sample of men (just 32 people), so it must be replicated in larger data sets before considering this in practice. More research will also need to be done to determine whether any genes interact with each other or with lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and smoking history.
The researchers hope their work will help identify new targets for treating erectile dysfunction, which affects up to 30% of men at some point in their lives—and that may not even include those who suffer from male pattern hair loss!
We know erectile dysfunction can be severe for many men, but it’s not always easy to talk. However, this research opens up a new avenue for understanding E.D. and could lead to new treatments and even ways to reverse this condition. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor for assistance if you believe you may have E.D. or need help with sexual issues. Your doctor can advise you on the best course for your specific requirements.