Effect of physical activity on erectile and sexual function in healthy males

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on erectile dysfunction (ED). It has been proposed to affect ED physiologically via the vascular and nervous systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physical activity on endothelial erectile function, sex hormones and sperm production in healthy males. Sixty-one healthy men aged 18–35 years were eligible to participate in this biochemical and questionnaire-based study. The participants were classified into two groups according to their physical activity level: a physically active group (PA = 38) and a physically inactive group (PINA = 23). PA was evaluated using the ACTi graph GT1M accelerometer. Erectile function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire. The levels of the sex hormones testosterone (T) and free testosterone (f-T), and the nitric oxide (NO) and E-selectin levels were measured by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a complete semen analysis was performed for all subjects. Better sperm production was reported in physically active subjects than in nonactive subjects. There was a significant increase (p = 0.001) in the IIEF-15 score, and the levels of T, f-T, NO and E-selectin were estimated in physically active subjects compared with those in nonactive subjects. Erectile function (IIEF-15 score) correlated positively with PA and with increased levels of T, f-T, NO and E-selectin, whereas the IIEF-15 score correlated negatively with age and adiposity. Seminological parameters such as the spermatozoa concentration, sperm viability, motility, morphology and normal forms were significantly improved in physically active subjects. Physical activity at mild to moderate levels is significantly associated with improved erectile function, increased endothelial function, increased sex hormone levels and better sperm production in healthy men aged 18–35 years. This study proposes that physical activity physiologically affects erectile function and spermatogenesis via cellular free radical-antioxidant mechanisms.

Keywords

• iief-15 score
• erectile function
• physical activity
• sex hormone
• endothelial function