Researchers identify a genetic variant responsible for erectile dysfunction

Graphical illustration. About a third of erectile dysfunction risk is linked to genetic factors [Photo:Courtesy]

Researchers have identified a genetic variant that is partially responsible for erectile dysfunction, a development that could help improve treatment, according to a study published Monday in a US journal.

Men who have a copy of this variant have a 26 percent increased risk of facing erectile dysfunction compared to the average population, said the findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.