In a study published on November 22nd, scientists have uncovered a potential link between deep space travel and a heigher risk of erectile dysfunction in male astronauts. The research, led by a team at Florida State University, delved into the impact of simulated spaceflight conditions on the erectile function of male rats, shedding light on the health risks astronauts may face during extended missions in deep space.
The study focused on two key factors associated with space travel: exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and hindlimb unloading (HLU), a condition akin to weightlessness experienced in space. While exploring the consequences of these conditions on vital tissues crucial for erectile function, specifically targeting the distal internal pudendal artery (dIPA) and the corpus cavernosum (CC), researchers found that oxidative stress (a condition defined by an imbalance of radicals and antioxidants in the body) and endothelial dysfunction, known causative factors in erectile dysfunction, were prevalent in simulated spaceflight conditions. The impaired non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxation in the dIPA and CC tissues suggested a potential pathway for erectile dysfunction in astronauts during deep space exploration missions.
“Galactic cosmic radiation impaired erectile function was not terribly surprising. Prior research has demonstrated that GCR can cause damage to the endothelium and the nervous system, both critical for proper erectile function”, Professor Justin D. La Favor, co-author of the study, told Newsweek. According to the professor, there is bigger vulnerability of the protective systems in erectile tissues compared to the central cardiovascular system.
What came surprisingly to the scientists was that these effects persisted even after a long recovery period, raising concerns about the lasting impact of spaceflight conditions on astronauts’ sexual health.
La Favor highlighted the need for further research into the immediate effects of GCR exposure and potential therapeutic mitigation. “With more manned missions to space planned for the coming years, there needs to be more focus on astronauts’ sexual health when they return to Earth” especially since “current space vehicles provide negligible protection against GCR, so there are no effective ways to protect astronauts from GCR exposure on trips to deep space”, La Favor alerted.the professor explained.
The study proposed potential solutions, suggesting that immediate exposure to antioxidants and specific enzyme inhibitors could restore NANC-mediated relaxation in tissues affected by GCR.
The possibility of human sexual activity in space has intrigued scientists, especially with the prospect of space tourism on the horizon. Scientists have previously discussed how the altered blood flow in space, where blood tends to float towards the head and chest, can affect the body’s ability to maintain an erection.
