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More exercise linked to better sexual function in obese men

Exercise is associated with improved erectile and sexual function in men, regardless of race, according to recently published data.

“This study is the first to link the benefits of exercise in relation to improved erectile and sexual function in a racially diverse group of patients,” Adriana Vidal, PhD, of the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, said in a press release.

To assess the link between exercise and sexual and erectile function, researchers evaluated 295 participants from a previous study at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Sexual/erectile function was defined using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, while exercise levels were grouped into four categories based on metabolic equivalents (MET) hours/week: sedentary (< 3 MET); mildly active (3-8.9 MET); moderately active (9-17.9 MET); and highly active (≥18 MET).

Participants had a median age of 62 years, a median BMI of 30.5 kg/m², median sexual function score of 53.4 and a considerable ratio of black men (32%). Additionally, 39% of participants reported having type 2 diabetes, and 36% reported coronary artery disease.

Overall, participants who exercised for 18 or more MET hours/week had better sexual and erectile function (P < .001), including ability to have erections, ability to reach climax and quality and frequency of erections, among all races.

No significance was found between lower levels of exercise and better sexual or erectile function.

Decreased sexual function was linked to older age (P = .001), presence of diabetes (P = .003) and coronary artery disease (P < .001).

Stephen Freedland

“When it comes to exercise, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, we are confident that even some degree of exercise, even if less intense, is better than no exercise at all,” Stephen Freedland, MD, director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle at Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, said in a press release. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.