erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED). It happens to all men at some point in their lives, whether from stress, illness or as a side-effect of medical treatment. For most, it’s a temporary condition or maybe something that happens once in a while when we’re under pressure. Researchers are excited to find that there may be a genetic component. Here’s what that may mean for you.

The SIM1 Factor

The study, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, looked at genetic and other data regarding of hundreds of thousands of men who have been treated for ED in an attempt to find patterns or similarities. What they found was that a significant number who have erectile dysfunction, about one-third of those evaluated, have the same variation in the genetic markers near the SIM1 gene in their DNA.

What This Means for ED Sufferers

There are some who may feel that finding they have a genetic disposition to ED depressing, but it’s actually good news. A significant portion of men seeking treatment for chronic or long-term ED don’t respond to current treatments, which work on the assumption that factors like hormone imbalances, stress and other factors are the sole or main cause. Scientists have been looking for proof of a genetic link for years, and the discovery may lead to breakthroughs in how ED specialists’ approach to the condition.

The Future of ED Screening and Treatment

Not only does this discovery provide hope for men’s sexual health issues, it will also steer future research into the treatment. The hope is to someday have the ability to take a proactive approach that focuses on prevention. This should make quite a few ED sufferers and their partners very happy.

Although erectile dysfunction can strike healthy men of any age, it tends to affect older men the most. If you want to learn more about causes and potential treatments, talk to an erectile dysfunction specialist today.