A new analysis of research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that aerobic exercise can be just as effective as medications like Viagra in improving erectile function. The study found that aerobic activities, such as walking or cycling, improved erectile function in all men with erectile dysfunction, regardless of body weight, overall health, or medication use. The greatest benefit was seen in men with the most severe erectile dysfunction.
The study, led by Larry E. Miller, PhD, analyzed 11 randomized, controlled trials involving a total of 1,100 men. The participants were assigned to either an exercise group or a control group with no exercise plan. The researchers found that the more severe the erectile dysfunction, the more exercise helped. Men with severe erectile dysfunction who exercised reported a 5-point improvement in erectile function, while those with mild and moderate erectile dysfunction saw improvements of 2 and 3 points respectively.
The findings are significant because erectile dysfunction is often linked to cardiovascular health issues such as inflammation, narrowing of the arteries, and hardening of the arteries. The study suggests that any intervention aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health may also have a positive impact on erectile health.
Urologists not involved in the study, such as Amy Pearlman, MD, and Rahul Mehan, MD, believe that the results make sense. They point out that while erectile dysfunction medications are generally affordable and accessible, some patients may not want to take them or may not be able to tolerate the side effects. Exercise, on the other hand, is low risk and affordable, making it an ideal first-line treatment option for patients unwilling or unable to use medications.
Overall, this study provides physicians and patients with evidence to definitively recommend aerobic activity as part of erectile dysfunction management. It suggests that exercise can be a viable alternative or complementary approach to medications for improving erectile function, especially for those who are unwilling or unable to use medications.