Men's Health
Aerobic activity may work as well as medication for helping erectile dysfunction
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
If you are concerned about the potential side effects of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs and you're looking for an alternative treatment, try doing more aerobic exercise.
Researchers reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials involving more than 1,000 men with mild or moderate ED. They found that men who regularly exercised for 30 to 60 minutes three to five times a week saw more improvement in their ED compared with men who did not exercise. They also found that the worse a man's ED, the more exercise helped. The men participated in aerobic exercise like walking, running, and cycling.
The improvement in some men appeared to be similar to that provided by ED drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), as well as that from testosterone replacement therapy.
The researchers noted that aerobic exercise can help treat ED in many ways. For instance, it reduces inflammation, blood pressure, and excess weight, all risk factors related to a higher risk for ED. Aerobic exercise also helps to improve blood flow and lower stress, which can help men obtain and keep erections. The study appeared in the December 2023 issue of The Journal of Sexual Health.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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