By Joseph E. Scherger, MD, MPH
Core Faculty, Eisenhower Health Family Medicine Residency Program, Eisenhower Health Center La Quinta, CA; Clinical Professor, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Exercising for 30 minutes or more three times a week is effective for improving erectile function.
Khera M, Bhattacharyya S, Miller LE. Effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sex Med 2023; Oct. 9:qdad130. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130. [Online ahead of print].
A study group publishing a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that aerobic activities, such as walking or cycling, improved erectile function in men experiencing erectile dysfunction. The researchers identified 11 randomized, controlled trials involving 1,147 men, with 636 assigned to the aerobic exercise group. The exercise interventions ranged from two to 24 months with sessions from 30 to 60 minutes, three to five days per week. Control group subjects were told to continue their regular lifestyle. All 11 study groups reported improvement in erectile function with exercise. The men with more severe erectile dysfunction saw the greatest improvements. These studies did not directly compare aerobic exercise with sildenafil (Viagra) or similar drugs. Extrapolating the findings suggests a benefit similar to these medications.
COMMENTARY
Exercise has known benefits of increasing circulation to vital organs, such as the heart and the brain.1,2 This analysis of many quality studies shows this benefit also extends to the penis and erectile function. Exercise may be a healthy alternative to taking Viagra and related medications.
REFERENCES
- Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. Exercise and your arteries. July 31, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/exercise-and-your-arteries
- Shepherd JT. Circulatory response to exercise in health. Circulation 1987;76(6 Pt 2):VI3-10.
