Genetic and clinical information about what causes erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an important quality-of-life problem for many men and their partners. ED is defined as a man’s persistent inability to attain or maintain a penile erection for sexual activity. Kaiser Permanente scientists will investigate genes that are associated with ED risk and determine the role of related risk factors, such as cardiovascular disease. To accomplish their goals, scientists will study the ongoing clinical care of thousands of KP Research Bank members via information recorded in their electronic health records (spanning an average of 20  years) as well as the samples these members contributed to the Research Bank. Scientists expect that this project will lead to a better understanding of the reasons why some men are more likely than others to experience ED. Such knowledge could later help develop 1) screening tests to identify persons at increased risk for ED, which may lead to better preventive care, and 2) new medications to deal with ED.