The research, which is published in The FASEB Journal, indicated that vascular alterations are induced by relatively low doses of galactic cosmic radiation and, to a lesser extent, simulated weightlessness, primarily through increases in oxidative stress. Treatment with different antioxidants could counter some of these effects.

"With manned missions to outer space planned for the coming years, this work indicates that sexual health should be closely monitored in astronauts upon their return to Earth," said corresponding author Justin D. La Favor, Ph.D., of Florida State University. "While the negative impacts of galactic cosmic radiation were long-lasting, functional improvements induced by acutely targeting the redox and nitric oxide pathways in the tissues suggest that the erectile dysfunction may be treatable."