Regular exercise sessions can be just as effective as taking Viagra pills for those dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), according to new research. The study suggests that engaging in three 30-minute exercise sessions per week could make a notable difference.
Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine, Boston Scientific, and Miller Scientific in the US conducted a comprehensive analysis of 11 previous studies involving a total of 1,147 participants. These studies utilized randomized controlled trials, which are considered the gold standard for reliability.
The results showed that engaging in aerobic activities such as walking or cycling for at least 30 minutes three times a week can improve erectile function in men with ED. This association was observed across various body weights and did not seem to be affected by participants’ health conditions or medication use.
“Exercise is a low-risk and affordable option, making it an ideal first-line treatment for erectile difficulties, especially for patients who are unwilling or unable to use medications,” said physiologist Larry Miller from Miller Scientific.
The researchers found that the most significant improvements in erectile function were experienced by men with severe ED. On a standardized scale ranging from 6 to 30, those who exercised saw an average improvement of 5 points, compared to 2 to 3 points for those with mild or moderate ED.
Increased physical exercise has long been associated with improved erectile function due to its positive impact on blood circulation. Exercise also aids in combating obesity and reducing blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for ED.
What makes this study particularly intriguing is that aerobic exercise demonstrated similar positive effects to popular drugs like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil), suggesting it could be used as an alternative or in conjunction with these medications.
Drugs like Viagra and Cialis typically result in an average improvement of 4 to 8 points on the scale used by researchers and clinicians. The researchers behind this study propose that exercise should be more frequently recommended for individuals with ED.
Not everyone is comfortable with taking medication for ED, and some may experience undesirable side effects such as heartburn, nausea, or headaches. In contrast, exercise is a free, simple, and easily accessible option.
Erectile dysfunction can occur for various reasons as men age, including declines in testosterone levels and libido. However, scientists are continually exploring solutions to address this problem, such as synthetic tissue and sound wave therapy.
“This study provides physicians and patients with definitive evidence to recommend aerobic activity as part of ED management,” Miller concluded.
The research has been published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
