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A twin study of erectile dysfunction.

Mary E Fischer¹, Mary Ellen Vitek, Don Hedeker

¹Vietnam Era Twin Registry/Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.

Archives of Internal Medicine

|January 28, 2004

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Genetic factors significantly influence erectile dysfunction (ED). This study found a substantial heritable component for ED, independent of other risk factors, suggesting a genetic basis for the condition.

Area of Science:

Genetics
Urology
Men's Health

Background:

The genetic contribution to erectile dysfunction (ED) is not well understood.
This study investigates the role of heredity in ED among middle-aged men.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the extent of genetic influence on erectile dysfunction (ED).
To estimate the heritability of ED in a sample of middle-aged men.

Main Methods:

A classical twin study design was employed using the Vietnam Era Twin Registry.
Data from 890 monozygotic (MZ) and 619 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs were analyzed from a 1999 male health survey.
Prevalence and heritability of two ED indicators (difficulty having and maintaining an erection) were estimated.

Main Results:

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The prevalence of difficulty having an erection was 23.3%, and maintaining an erection was 26.7%.
Heritability estimates for ED liability were 35% for difficulty having an erection and 42% for difficulty maintaining an erection.
Heritable influences on ED remained significant even after accounting for known ED risk factors.

Conclusions:

A distinct genetic component contributes to ED, separate from genetic influences related to common ED risk factors.
These findings support the need for future molecular genetic research to identify specific ED-related genetic variations (polymorphisms).