Beneficial Impact of Exercise and Obesity Interventions on Erectile Function and its Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifaceted disease involving cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal factors and affects over 100 million men worldwide. ED has been shown to be a harbinger of underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as there are common risk factors (aging, hypertension, obesity) and mechanistic basis. Aim To provide an update on clinical and experimental evidence regarding the impact of lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet, with respect to changes in erectile function. Main Outcome Measures Published evidence regarding the impact of aging, hypertension, and obesity on ED and CVD, as well as new experimental data linking obesity and diminished erectile responses. Methods We reviewed the literature regarding common risk factors of ED and CVD, particularly involving obesity, as well as performed new analysis on the findings of other experimental studies involving diet and exercise interventions. Results Physical inactivity negatively impacts on erectile function, and experimental and clinical exercise interventions have been shown to improve sexual responses and overall cardiovascular health. Mediterranean-style diets and a reduction in caloric intake have been found to improve erectile function in men with the aspects of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, both clinical and experimental studies have confirmed that combining the two interventions provides additional benefit to erectile function, likely via reduced metabolic disturbances (e.g., inflammatory markers, insulin resistance), decreased visceral adipose tissue, and improvement in vascular function (e.g., increased endothelial function). Conclusions Lifestyle modifications provide significant benefits to vascular health and erectile function in a population that is increasingly aged and more obese.

Preconception diet or exercise intervention in obese fathers normalizes sperm microRNA profile and metabolic syndrome in female offspring

“…Interestingly, in humans, an overweight or obese male partner with a female of normal body mass index has an increased-odds ratio for time to conceive (47,59) and increased rates of sexual dysfunction (55). This reported sexual dysfunction in humans has been shown to be reversed by weight loss through diet and exercise interventions (24,40). Because our exercise-only group (HE) maintained their preintervention adiposity and reduced mating rates, mating success maybe more related to adiposity and the hormonal changes that can be associated with this (12,29,63).…”

Bicycle Riding and the Bedroom: Can Riding a Bicycle Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

“…Indeed, exercise such as cycling improves cardiovascular fitness and contributes therefore to global and penile health and should be encouraged. [3][4][5][6][43][44][45] On the other hand, if one's symptoms clearly seem related to cycling, reduction or cessation of the offending activity and considering alternative forms of exercise is advisable. Ignoring these symptoms may cause irreversible damage.…”

Zależność pomiędzy funkcją seksualną a wskaźnikiem masy ciała i stężeniem hormonów steroidowych u młodych mężczyzn

“…Physical activity and a low-calorie diet allow weight loss, self-image improvement and better quality of life, as well as better sexual function and satisfaction [47][48][49][50]. There is, however, limited data as to whether reduction in body weight by itself would improve sexual function.…”