Can physical activity be a potential cure for erectile dysfunction? A new study shows aerobic exercise is nearly as effective as Viagra prescribed for the treatment of the condition.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Obesity, heart disease, atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels), diabetes and tobacco use are some of the risk factors of ED. The condition affects around 30 million men in the U.S.

Aerobic exercise includes activities such as running and cycling that use large muscle groups in the body. This type of exercise could benefit men with erectile dysfunction, regardless of their body weight, overall health or medication use, according to the latest study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

The link between erectile function and cardiovascular health was known but there was limited understanding on how exercise could specifically benefit people with erectile dysfunction.

"This study provides physicians and patients the proof needed to definitively recommend aerobic activity as part of ED management," said study author Larry E. Miller.

Researchers used 11 randomized, controlled studies where participants with erectile dysfunction were either given prescribed aerobic exercise for treatment or were assigned to control groups with no exercise plan.

Of the 1,100 participants, 600 men were asked to engage in 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times a week, while the rest were in the control groups. The exercise group showed an improvement of five points on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) scale.

"Among 11 randomized controlled trials included in the analysis, aerobic exercise resulted in statistically significant improvements in IIEF-EF scores as compared with controls," the researchers wrote.

Patients with more severe ED conditions had greater improvements with aerobic exercise.

The participants who were given Viagra or Cialis (prescribed medications for ED) showed an improvement of four to eight points on the IIEF-EF scale, while those on testosterone treatment improved by just two points.

Researchers said aerobic exercise, in contrast to the prescribed medications, has no side effects. Additionally, it helps to improve various other aspects of overall health, such as obesity, cardiovascular health and diabetes.

"Regular aerobic exercise can improve the erectile function of men, particularly those with lower baseline IIEF scores, and it can be considered a low-risk and effective nonpharmacologic therapy for men at risk of or currently experiencing ED. Future RCTs should explore optimal exercise regimens to support the development of prescriptive guidelines for improving erectile function," the researchers wrote.

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