Research has found a relationship between space travel and erectile dysfunction

This week, a group of scientists at Florida State University expressed concern about a new risk to humans on space missions. In fact, thanks to funds allocated by NASA, researchers conducted the first experiment Stady The story has the effect of so-called galactic cosmic radiation on male sexual health, and the results are not encouraging. According to the researchers, it will be possible to establish a relationship between exposure to this radiation, the typical microgravity of space, and possible cases of erectile dysfunction among astronauts. The currently available data are too limited to confirm this trend, and for this reason, researchers have emphasized the need to monitor the sexual health of those who will currently or in the future participate in space travel, according to reports. guardian.

Specifically, because of the current shortage of samples that can be analysed, NASA researchers based most of their studies on animal experiments. Dozens of mice were exposed to radiation that mimics space radiation, which includes high-energy particles, X-rays and gamma rays emitted by stars and other celestial bodies. Over the course of a year, the biggest effect on erectile dysfunction in mice was radiation, which, although low, was prolonged. The near absence of gravity also had consequences, but they are limited compared to radiation. In any case, the research concludes that the effects of space travel on erectile dysfunction in humans are still largely unknown.

However, scientists are already working on possible solutions, as the study found that the dysfunction may persist for decades. It seems that the most beneficial substances are antioxidants, but as stated NewScientist, At the moment, these are just hypotheses because no experiments have been conducted. NASA is said to be increasingly funding research into the impacts of deep space missions, in light of increasingly longer expeditions, especially to the Moon and Mars. Studies on the consequences of space missions on the human body have existed since the first expeditions, and over the years this has led to the development of increasingly precise preventive measures, such as the exercises that astronauts are asked to do on the space station. Maintain muscle strength.