Regular exercise can be as effective as medication in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and with just three 30-minute exercise sessions per week, significant improvements were observed, according to a recent study.
Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine, Boston Scientific, and Miller Scientific in the US conducted a comprehensive analysis of 11 previous studies involving 1,147 participants, providing robust evidence.
Exercise, particularly aerobic activities like walking or cycling, undertaken for at least half an hour three times a week, was found to enhance erectile function in men with ED. This natural approach is a low-risk and affordable option, making it an ideal first-line treatment for those unwilling or unable to use medications.
EFFECTIVE FOR ALL
The study revealed that exercise benefits extended across a range of body weights and didn’t vary based on the participants’ health conditions or medication use.
Men with more severe cases of ED experienced the most significant improvements. Those with severe ED saw an average 5-point enhancement on a standardized scale of 6 to 30, compared to 2 to 3 points of improvement for mild or moderate cases.
SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Regular physical exercise improves erectile function by enhancing blood circulation, addressing obesity, and reducing blood pressure—factors commonly associated with ED.
Aerobic exercise was found to have similar positive effects to drugs like Viagra and Cialis. This suggests that exercise could be used as an alternative or complementary treatment alongside medication.
The study recommends that physicians should consider prescribing exercise more regularly for individuals with ED, offering a natural and side-effect-free option for treatment.
Erectile dysfunction, often associated with aging, continues to be a concern for many men. While medications are commonly used, this research emphasizes the potential of exercise as an effective and accessible remedy, empowering individuals to take control of their health.
