Exercise Linked to Better Erectile, Sexual Function in Men

Men who engage in a high level of physical activity report better erectile and sexual function regardless of their race, according to the first study of this association in a racially diverse population.

Results of the cross-sectional study, published online March , indicate that the benefit was significant only for those logging at least 18 metabolic equivalent (MET) hours of activity weekly, an amount translating to 2 hours of strenuous exercise such as running or swimming, 3.5 hours of moderate exercise, or 6 hours of light exercise.

“Collectively, our study along with the prior studies provide support that a minimum level of exercise is needed to be associated with better erectile/sexual function and that threshold is around 18 MET hours/week,” write the researchers, led by Ross M. Simon, MD, from the Duke Prostate Center, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, and the Urology Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

Race did not influence the association between physical activity and erectile/sexual function, suggesting black men and nonblack men derived similar benefit. “[T]hese data suggest that trials focused on exercise as a means to improve erectile/sexual function should include a racially diverse population with significant [erectile dysfunction] risk factors,” the researchers recommend.

“Although these factors limit the interpretation of our results, the level of exercise associated with better erectile/sexual function is comparable with that of previous population studies examining the association between exercise and [erectile dysfunction],” they note.

The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

J Sex Med. Published online March 20, 2015. Abstract