Landmark Study Finds Exercise to Be Just as Effective as Viagra at Combatting Erectile Dysfunction

A new study published this month in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found exercising for at least 30 minutes three times a week to be as effective as Viagra and comparable medications in improving erectile dysfunction.

The study is being hailed as some of the best research to date on aerobic activity as a cure for ED. It found that engaging in exercises, such as walking, running, or bicycling, improves erectile dysfunction in all men who suffer from the condition, regardless of their overall health, medication regimens, or weight. Men who suffered the most severe erectile dysfunction were the ones who benefited the most.

“This study provides physicians and patients the proof needed to definitively recommend aerobic activity as part of ED management,” the study's head author, Dr. Larry E. Miller, told WebMD. While doctors have long linked erectile function to overall cardiovascular health, there’s been a dearth of strong evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise as a cure.

1100 participants were monitored, 600 of whom were assigned to “experimental” groups that exercised between 30 and 60 minutes three to five times each week. 500 participants were assigned to “control” groups with no exercise plan.

On a standard scale of six to 30, six being severe erectile dysfunction and 30 being no issue at all, men who suffered from extreme ED reported an increase of five points. Those who suffered mild and moderate erectile dysfunction saw improvements of two and three points, respectively.

Viagra and other similar medications can lead to improvements of four to eight points, the study notes. Testosterone replacement therapy can lead to an improvement of two points.

Experts warn that erectile dysfunction can often be an indicator of cardiovascular disease, such as inflammation, and narrowing or hardening of the arteries.

“It's important to recognize that erectile dysfunction can often serve as an indicator or barometer of underlying cardiovascular health,” said Amy Pearlman, a urologist specializing in male sexual health who was not involved in the study.

Miller is now recommending exercise to his ED patients in lieu of traditional pharmaceuticals. The doctor calls it “a proven approach backed by high-quality data from randomized studies…Exercise is low risk and affordable, making it an ideal first-line treatment option for erectile difficulties, especially for patients unwilling or unable to use medications.”