Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2025
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Influence of physical activity practice on sexual function in men: a systematic review
Marianne Lucena da Silva1, Liana Barbaresco Gomide Matheus2, Ana Claudia de Souza Alves Braga3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Collective Health, Collective Health Course, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
Background:
While the health benefits of regular physical activity are well-documented, there is limited evidence specifically addressing its impact on male sexual function.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted to investigate the influence of physical activity practice on sexual function in men. The studies were sourced from PubMed, Embase, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane through May 2024.The recommendations and criteria described in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane Handbook were followed. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the literature.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were eligible. According to the studies, physical exercise is highly associated with better sexual function in patients without comorbidities, patients with diabetes mellitus, patients with chronic heart failure, and patients of different races. Exercise influences the production of nitric oxide, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increases testosterone levels. These effects can help maintain arterial stiffness, improve vascular function, support the maintenance of male erection, and improve sexual dysfunctions.
Clinical Implications:
Healthcare professionals might consider prescribing exercise for men with sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion:
This systematic review provides evidence that physical activity practice improves sexual function.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:24Primary Motives: Sleep, Sex, and Pain Avoidance
Sleep is a fundamental physiological drive that fosters a state of restfulness crucial for several bodily functions. It facilitates body restoration, the process by which the body repairs, rejuvenates, and maintains itself during sleep, including memory...