A sedentary lifestyle insures a greater chance of masculine erectile dysfunction. This is the dreaded ED. Even when the relationship between ED and exercise and younger healthy males is studied, erectile performance is improved in the more active men. Also, sexual satisfaction was increased in those exercising. Enhancement of erectile function has repeatedly been seen in the elderly and obese who are active but the unhealthy would be more likely to have both decreased physical and sexual function. Could the association be phallus-acious?
Scientists, in a well-done study, recruited a group of men with ED and instructed half on exercise and diet; the other half were given dietary instructions alone. All subjects had discernible both erectile and sexual dysfunction (other performance issues) as determined by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction. The “Index” has 15 intimate questions with a perfect score of 75 points. At the start, all the subjects had scores below 21, indicating definite dysfunction. After two years, one-third of those instructed in exercise had lessened markers of inflammation and considerably improved sexual function. Another study showed ED harbingered generalized vascular disease (heart attacks and stroke) and all three, including ED, could be overcome by initiating both exercise and a healthy diet (Mediterranean Diet).
A side issue is the association of ED and the decrease in a body substance that regulates blood flow (nitric oxide, NO for short). The body manufactures NO and it becomes reduced as we age. Erection takes place because blood flows into the important male love gland (penis, scientifically) and NO makes the increased flow possible. Viagra and other ED meds increase NO and allow an erection to occur. NO is produced from an amino acid Arginine, which can be purchased as a supplement. NO also is considered to increase hormones that build muscle and increases hormones that may be decreased as we age. Arginine has no side effects and many possible MOJO benefits. However, it should be taken with caution in people with liver or kidney disease.
- Appleton, J. “Arginine: Clinical Potential of a Semi-Essential Amino Acid.” [In eng]. Altern Med Rev 7, no. 6 (Dec 2002): 512-22.
- Chen, J., Y. Wollman, T. Chernichovsky, A. Iaina, M. Sofer, and H. Matzkin. “Effect of Oral Administration of High-Dose Nitric Oxide Donor L-Arginine in Men with Organic Erectile Dysfunction: Results of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.” [In eng]. BJU Int 83, no. 3 (Feb 1999): 269-73.
- Esposito, K., F. Giugliano, C. Di Palo, G. Giugliano, R. Marfella, F. D’Andrea, M. D’Armiento, and D. Giugliano. “Effect of Lifestyle Changes on Erectile Dysfunction in Obese Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” [In eng]. Jama 291, no. 24 (Jun 23 2004): 2978-84.
- Hsiao, W., A. B. Shrewsberry, K. A. Moses, T. V. Johnson, A. W. Cai, P. Stuhldreher, B. Dusseault, and C. W. Ritenour. “Exercise Is Associated with Better Erectile Function in Men under 40 as Evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function.” [In eng]. J Sex Med 9, no. 2 (Feb 2012): 524-30.
- La Vignera, S., R. Condorelli, E. Vicari, R. D’Agata, and A. E. Calogero. “Physical Activity and Erectile Dysfunction in Middle-Aged Men.” [In eng]. J Androl 33, no. 2 (Mar 2012): 154-61.
