Astronauts spending extended time in space could be at a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction due to the effects of microgravity and exposure to cosmic radiation, as demonstrated in experiments conducted on rats.
With plans for crewed missions beyond Earth orbit in the coming decades, such as returning to the moon and venturing to Mars, researchers are investigating the potential health impacts of space travel. Previous studies have shown that being in space can affect astronauts in various ways, including reducing their heart rates and blood pressure, as well as causing vision problems.
Justin La Favor and his team at Florida State University simulated microgravity in rats by employing a method called hindlimb unloading, which involved elevating the back legs of male rats and maintaining them in this position for four weeks. The rats were also exposed to varying levels of cosmic radiation simulation, composed of protons and ions.
After approximately a year, the researchers observed signs of erectile dysfunction in the rats by measuring their oxidative stress levels and examining the narrowing of blood vessels in the erectile tissue around their penises. The results indicated that exposure to cosmic radiation led to significantly higher levels of oxidative stress and narrower blood vessels compared to rats with no radiation exposure. Rats subjected to microgravity alone also exhibited increased risk factors, though to a lesser extent than those exposed to radiation.
According to the researchers, these findings suggest that microgravity and cosmic radiation exposure could have long-term effects on astronauts’ erectile function even after they return to Earth. They noted that while treating the rats with antioxidants could potentially mitigate some of the negative impacts, this has not been tested yet.
Justin La Favor emphasized the importance of monitoring the sexual health of astronauts upon their return to Earth, considering the potential implications of these findings.
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The study conducted simulations to mimic the effects of space travel on rats and found that both microgravity and exposure to cosmic radiation could impact erectile function, highlighting the potential risks for astronauts.
