Researchers have discovered that something simple is just as effective as Viagra.

After the age of 40, many men experience erectile dysfunction problems, and especially in recent years, such issues are becoming increasingly common even in younger men. One of the solutions that many turn to is the use of pharmaceutical drugs like Viagra. However, a study has identified something that is very simple yet equally effective as these medications.

According to a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can yield positive results similar to those of pharmaceutical interventions. Activities and exercises such as walking or cycling have been shown to support erectile function regardless of factors such as body weight, overall health, or potential medication use, with even greater benefits for those dealing with severe erection problems.

The explanation lies in the connection between erectile function and cardiovascular health. As emphasized by the lead researcher, Dr. Larry E. Miller, the study provides the necessary evidence for doctors and patients alike to include physical exercise as part of the treatment plan for common sexual dysfunction.

Effective as Medications

Researchers examined 11 randomized controlled studies from the scientific literature, involving a total of 1,100 men, with 600 in the experimental groups engaging in aerobic exercise for an average of 30 to 60 minutes, three to five times a week, and 500 men in control groups without physical exercise intervention.

The review showed that the more severe the erectile dysfunction, the more significant the benefits of exercise, achieving an improvement in erection by 5 points on a standardized scale ranging from 6 to 30. For men with mild to moderate dysfunction, the corresponding improvements were 2 and 3 points.

The results were comparable to those of PhosphoDiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, a category of drugs for erectile dysfunction that includes sildenafil and tadalafil, which achieved improvements of 4 to 8 units. Testosterone replacement therapy, on the other hand, was associated with a 2-point improvement.

“We were particularly impressed that men with more severe erectile dysfunction saw greater improvement with exercise, at levels similar to those observed in men taking drugs like sildenafil,” said Dr. Miller.

Erectile dysfunction is often attributed to factors linked to cardiovascular disease, such as inflammation, artery narrowing (endothelial dysfunction), and atherosclerosis. Some comments from urologists who did not participate in the study revolved around this relationship, highlighting the role of erectile dysfunction as an indicator of cardiovascular health – partially explaining the positive impact of aerobic exercise – and the importance of a conventional therapeutic solution for men who struggle with pharmaceutical treatment due to side effects such as headaches, flushing, nausea, rashes, and muscle pain.

Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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