Exercise Proves It's 'Up' to the Challenge Alongside Viagra, Says Study

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

As men age, various factors come into play that can affect their erectile function. These include declining testosterone levels, reduced libido, changes in blood vessels, and an increased risk of health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The result? Erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where men struggle to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. ED can lead to sexual dissatisfaction, lower quality of life, anxiety, depression, and even strain on relationships. Additionally, it can serve as an early warning sign of underlying chronic diseases like cardiovascular problems and diabetes.

Aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart pumping and leaves you a bit breathless, is already renowned for its health benefits. However, when it comes to its impact on erectile function, the evidence has been somewhat limited. Previous studies often combined data from various exercise regimens, leaving us with unclear conclusions. To address this gap, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

The findings of the study, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, were promising. Men who engaged in regular aerobic exercise reported improved erectile function compared to those who didn't exercise regularly. This improvement was more significant in men with lower baseline scores for erectile function, but it was noticeable across all levels, even in men with mild erectile difficulties.

Aerobic exercise can benefit erectile function through various mechanisms. It positively affects cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to sexual function. It also helps control body weight, lower blood pressure, and manage blood sugar levels, all of which are risk factors for ED. Additionally, aerobic exercise improves endothelial function, essential for healthy blood vessels and maintaining normal erectile function. It also boosts testosterone levels and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are associated with ED.

While various treatments are available for ED, including medications, devices, and therapies, aerobic exercise can offer additional benefits. In fact, the study found that exercise improved erectile function independently of the use of medications like PDE5 inhibitors. This suggests that men with erectile difficulties should be informed about the range of available treatments and encouraged to incorporate regular aerobic activity into their routines.

The improvements seen in the study were not just statistically significant but also clinically meaningful. For men with mild ED, the improvement was about 60-100% of what is considered clinically important. To put it in perspective, other treatments for ED, such as testosterone replacement and shockwave therapy, typically yield smaller improvements.

To sum it up, regular aerobic exercise can make a significant difference in men's erectile function, especially for those with lower baseline scores. It's a low-risk and effective non-pharmacologic approach to managing ED. While more research is needed to determine the optimal exercise regimens, the results are promising and suggest that aerobic exercise can be a valuable addition to the toolkit of treatments for men experiencing erectile difficulties.

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