It’s possible. In late 2016, Italian researchers found a potential link between ED risk and men with type A, type B, or type AB blood types.
Blood is classified according to the types of antigens and antibodies present. Antigens are foreign substances that spark the body’s immune system into action. Antibodies work to fight these substances and the infections they might cause.
The combination of antigens and antibodies determines a person’s blood type. Most people fall into one of the following eight categories:
- A-positive
- A-negative
- B-positive
- B-negative
- AB-positive
- AB-negative
- O-positive
- O-negative
Blood types are important for blood transfusions because a person’s blood type must be compatible with donor blood.
The 2016 study, published in the Archives of Italian Urology and Andrology, involved 350 men with an average age of 62 years. The men were divided into two groups. One hundred eleven men had ED. The remaining 239 men did not.
Each man completed an assessment tool called the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). After analyzing the data, the researchers found that men with type O blood (positive or negative) had higher IIEF scores, indicating better erections. But the men with types A, B, and AB had lower scores. The researchers concluded that men with A, B, and AB blood were at higher risk for ED compared to men with type O blood.
The results do not mean that men with these blood types will get ED. The researchers found a link, but more study is needed.
Even with these study results, men should remember that many factors influence a man’s erectile function, such as his age, diet, lifestyle habits, and the presence of medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Men who are having trouble with erections should see their doctor for a complete medical exam.
Resources
Archives of Italian Urology and Andrology
Benli, Erdal, et al.
“Are erectile functions affected by AB0 blood group?”
(Full-text. Published: December 30, 2016)
http://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/aiua/article/view/aiua.2016.4.270
MedicineNet.com
“Medical Definition of Antigen”
(Last editorial review: May 13, 2016)
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2282
MedlinePlus.gov
“Antibody”
(Page last updated: April 5, 2018)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002223.htm
WebMD
“Blood Types: What to Know”
(Reviewed: December 12, 2016)
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/blood-types-what-to-know#1