The role of aerobic exercise in erectile dysfunction: A review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the role or applicability of aerobic exercise in erectile dysfunction. METHODS: This narrative review was conducted by searching terms such as ‘impotence,’ ‘erectile dysfunction,’ ‘erection dysfunction,’ ‘sexual dysfunction,’ ‘aerobic exercise,’ ‘aerobic training,’ ‘cardiovascular exercise,’ ‘cardiovascular training,’ ‘human,’ ‘randomized controlled trials,’ and ‘randomized clinical trials’ in the titles or abstracts in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct databases. RESULTS: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Aerobic exercise of light (low)-vigorous (high) intensity was found to be effective in erectile dysfunction in seven articles. CONCLUSIONS: In case of mild-moderate erectile dysfunction accompanied by high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, metabolic syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemic heart disease, it is suggested that following an aerobic exercise program has potential advantages. Further clinical research is required to compare nonlinear aerobic exercise with linear aerobic exercise in the population with erectile dysfunction.