Erectile Dysfunction: benefits of Exercise

Erectile dysfunction or ED is the inability to have or sustain and erection for sexual intercourse, or for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

An erection is a hydraulic effect created by blood entering and being maintained in sponge-like parts of the penis; this erection is mostly caused by sexual arousal, caused by nerve signals sent from the brain to the nerves in the pelvis.

Erectile Dysfunction occurs when the erection is difficult to maintain, or cannot be produced despite arousal. Millions of men around the world suffer with ED at one time or other, and these days it no longer is a taboo subject, with major TV commercials selling products to combat ED during major sports events such as the Superbowl.

There are many reasons why Erectile Dysfunction can occur ranging from medical problems to problems with diet and exercise. The most common causes are:

• Anti-depressant – prescribed anti-depressants mostly list impotence as a side-effect.
• Drugs – alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine etc all can negatively  impact male sexual performance.
• Spinal and brain injuries – many injuries that have nerve related problems can cause Erectile Dysfunction – these include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, MS and stroke.
• Testosterone levels – it has been shown that abnormal levels of testosterone (high or low) can cause ED.
• Arterial Disorders – vascular disease, hypertension etc all have been show to reduce the flow of blood to the penisVenous leak
• Stress and anxiety: this is often hard to gauge but stress related disorders that have negative tendencies can often lead to ED
• Surgery: many different types of surgery (colon, prostrate, bladder etc) can lead to nerve damage and blood level damage that can lead to ED.
• Age – generally, as a man gets older, his ability to maintain a healthy erection is reduced.
• Obesity and cigarettes: smoking and obesity are perhaps the most prominent causes of ED. Both can lead to reduced blood flow and arterial narrowing.

Aerobic Exersize has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of ED.

There are many benefits of Aerobic Exercise that not only lead to a healthier life style, but also due to increased blood flow and generally a better mental and physical wellbeing, the effects of ED are highly diminished. The main benefits of aerobic exercise are:

• Stronger respiration muscles increasing airflow through the lings.
• Stronger hear muscle – improving pumping efficiency and reducing the resting heart rate – one of the key medical problems linked with ED is heart problems, so the two go hand in hand – healthier heart means healthier sex life.
• Improved circulation and reduced blood pressure.
• Improved stress levels and depression.

Each of these are cited as causes of ED so any improvement in these conditions will improve ED.

Strangely enough it has been shown that the use of ED drugs such as Viagra and Cialis can actually have benefits and increase the exercise capabilities of some men. Like any use of medication and exercise, you should always consult a specialist or your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.

It should also be noted that warnings for both Viagra and Cialis do include side effects of dizziness which can be heightened due to exercise; this can be especially dangerous if you already have medical conditions such as heart conditions.

The best advice is to seek medical advice before taking the medication or changing your exercise regime.