Genetics of Erectile Dysfunction

Studies investigating the genetics of erectile dysfunction are mostly derived from animal models and candidate gene approaches. Candidate gene studies omit the greater portion of the genome, a problem that can be solved using a genome wide association study approach. The lack of persistently replicated results of candidate gene studies may be related to different patient ethnic backgrounds, variations in erectile dysfunction etiology and small sample sizes. Using strict inclusion/exclusion criteria for erectile dysfunction etiology and ethnicity in human studies may lead to improved understanding of the genetics of erectile dysfunction in specific populations.