MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Is Soy Sauce Bad For You?

Is Soy Sauce Bad For You?

Why Do Some Blokes Never Age? Scientists Have Figured It Out

Why Do Some Blokes Never Age? Scientists Have Figured It Out

Experts Say This Type Of Sugar Can Actually Prevent Weight Gain

Experts Say This Type Of Sugar Can Actually Prevent Weight Gain

There's One Major Downside To The Keto Diet That No One Is Talking About

There's One Major Downside To The Keto Diet That No One Is Talking About

{headline}

{headline}

Eating Chocolate Is Reportedly Good For Heart Health

Eating Chocolate Is Reportedly Good For Heart Health

Your Face Can Predict Your Risk Of A Heart Attack

Your Face Can Predict Your Risk Of A Heart Attack

Consulting 'Dr. Google' Is Not Always A Bad Move, Says Study

Consulting 'Dr. Google' Is Not Always A Bad Move, Says Study

{headline}

{headline}

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

PSA: Women Are 'Disgusted' By Sex, According To A New Study

PSA: Women Are 'Disgusted' By Sex, According To A New Study

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

Researchers Put New Male Contraceptive On Trial

Researchers Put New Male Contraceptive On Trial

Science Confirms That Man Flu Is Real

Science Confirms That Man Flu Is Real

Can Having More Sex Increase Penis Size?

Can Having More Sex Increase Penis Size?

Women Are Happier Being Single Than Men

Women Are Happier Being Single Than Men

  1. Home
  2. Sex

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? It's Not Entirely Your Fault

A new study provides some more answers - by Melissa Matthews
  • 10 Oct 2018
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? It's Not Entirely Your Fault
Getty Images

If you've ever experienced erectile dysfunction, you're not alone. In fact, an estimated 40 per cent of Australian men are affected by the problem.

There are lots of possible explanations for erectile dysfunction, including blood pressure medications, extra body weight, and stress. Now, a study published this week in PNAS found another reason some men suffer from the condition: a specific DNA variation.

Researchers from health insurance and medical care company Kaiser Permanente studied the genes of nearly 37,000 Americans who volunteered their medical records for the study. Guys completed sexual health surveys, and the team looked at whether participants were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction or received treatment for the condition.

They found that guys with abnormalities on their sixth chromosome, found near the SIM1 gene, had a 26 per cent increased risk of ED. Researchers ruled out other known risk factors of ED, like excess body weight, as the cause for the problem.

Although researchers have long suspected that erectile dysfunction may be partially caused by genetics, this study pinpoints the exact location, or locus, that may cause the problem. The genetic variation is located near the SIM1 gene, which helps regulate body weight and erections. This new knowledge may help researchers develop better erectile dysfunction treatments that target genetics.

"Identifying this SIM1 locus as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction is a big deal because it provides the long sought-after proof that there is a genetic component to the disease," lead study author, Dr. Eric Jorgenson, PhD and research scientist at Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Division of Research, said in a statement. "Identifying the first genetic risk factor for erectile dysfunction is an exciting discovery because it opens the door for investigations into new, genetic-based therapies.

Currently, guys with erectile dysfunction may want to consider adopting healthier habits, as excess body weight, smoking, and drinking alcohol can make the condition worse. And remember, it's best talk to your doctor before purchasing ED medications or other treatments online.

A version of this article originally appeared on Men's Health US.

Melissa Matthews
Melissa Matthews
Melissa Matthews is the health writer at MensHealth.com and has written for Newsweek, Men's Fitness, Inc. and Dr. Oz the Good Life. A health-conscious junk food enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, cake and attempting the latest fitness trend (to compensate for said sweet tooth).

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Is Soy Sauce Bad For You?

Is Soy Sauce Bad For You?

Why Do Some Blokes Never Age? Scientists Have Figured It Out

Why Do Some Blokes Never Age? Scientists Have Figured It Out

Experts Say This Type Of Sugar Can Actually Prevent Weight Gain

Experts Say This Type Of Sugar Can Actually Prevent Weight Gain

There's One Major Downside To The Keto Diet That No One Is Talking About

There's One Major Downside To The Keto Diet That No One Is Talking About

{headline}

{headline}

Eating Chocolate Is Reportedly Good For Heart Health

Eating Chocolate Is Reportedly Good For Heart Health

Your Face Can Predict Your Risk Of A Heart Attack

Your Face Can Predict Your Risk Of A Heart Attack

Consulting 'Dr. Google' Is Not Always A Bad Move, Says Study

Consulting 'Dr. Google' Is Not Always A Bad Move, Says Study

{headline}

{headline}

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

PSA: Women Are 'Disgusted' By Sex, According To A New Study

PSA: Women Are 'Disgusted' By Sex, According To A New Study

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

Researchers Put New Male Contraceptive On Trial

Researchers Put New Male Contraceptive On Trial

Science Confirms That Man Flu Is Real

Science Confirms That Man Flu Is Real

Can Having More Sex Increase Penis Size?

Can Having More Sex Increase Penis Size?

Women Are Happier Being Single Than Men

Women Are Happier Being Single Than Men

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now