Erectile Dysfunction: Could It Be Genetic?

August 31, 2020

4 mins

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a health condition many men deal with from time to time. Certain chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity increase the risk of ED. Lifestyle factors like smoking tobacco may also increase the risk of ED.

Recent developments in research suggest that genes may also play a role in the development of ED. A recent study found that a small segment of DNA may be a deciding factor in ED symptoms.

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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

The direct cause of ED is not always immediately clear. As men get older their risk of erectile dysfunction may increase as they experience more health complications from old age. Lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol excessively and smoking tobacco may also increase your risk for erectile dysfunction.

Common health conditions that may lead to erectile dysfunction range from type 2 diabetes to chronic sleep disorders. Other conditions with erectile dysfunction as a common side effect include hypothyroidism, depression, and high cholesterol. Some surgeries may result in erectile function complications.

What Were the Results of the Study?

A genome-wide association (GWA) study found a potential specific genetic cause for erectile dysfunction. A little piece of DNA, located on chromosome 6, may control the ability of a man to maintain an erection. However, this piece of DNA observed may enhance the SIM1 gene. The study analyzed thousands of men of various backgrounds.

The study found that men with the same variation of the SIM1 gene were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Researcher suggests that certain alleles lead to differential enhancer activity. This enhancer may regulate the expression of SIM1 and trigger ED.

However, findings from the study do not consider any potential preexisting conditions. The concern here would be that this same gene is related to obesity or hypertension. There is still more research that needs to be done to verify the results of the study.

What could be the future implications?

Some participants in the study also had diabetes or were also active smokers. However, some health experts believe that these factors may not have a significant influence on the results of the study. In the future, studies like this can help researchers develop ED medications that target the SIM1 gene.

Treatment Options for ED

Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil are common medications to treat ED. You may recognize sildenafil by its brand name Viagra®. While these widely used medications are effective for most, some men may need additional treatment options to prevent erectile dysfunction.

How Rex MD Can Help

At Rex MD, you can access affordable options for ED medications. A team of licensed healthcare professionals works with Rex MD to provide access to Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.

Get started today on finding an ED medication that works best for you.