The association of various physical activities with erectile dysfunction: NHANES 2001-2004

Abstract

Background The relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and physical activity has been established in several previous studies, but there is little information on the specific forms of activity that affect ED. Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of 4 exercise categories and 2 activity intensities with ED in US men. Methods We used data sets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2004. We used odds ratios (ORs) and multivariate logistic regression models to investigate the relationship between physical activity and ED. We also conducted subgroup analyses by age and controlled for potential confounder variables using propensity score matching analyses. Outcomes The primary outcome was ED as assessed through self-reporting. Results An overall 4094 adult men were included in the study. Adjusted multivariate regression models indicated that men who participated in monthly muscle-strengthening activities (OR = 0.75, P = .031), leisure activities (OR = 0.76, P = .024), or vigorous activities (OR = 0.64, P = .001) had a lower risk of ED. The subgroup analysis showed that among those ≥40 years old, muscle-strengthening activity (OR = 0.67, P = .005), leisure activity (OR = 0.72, P = .006), and vigorous activity (OR = 0.50, P < .001) were negatively associated with ED. After adjustment of propensity score matching, leisure activity and vigorous activity were also associated with a lower risk of ED, and muscle-strengthening activity was not significantly associated with ED. Clinical Implications Our findings could provide guidance to clinicians in helping patients with ED develop exercise programs. Strengths and Limitations We explored the relationship of 4 types and 2 intensities of exercise with ED, using a large sample size and sampling weights to produce representative data. However, this is only a cross-sectional study. Conclusion Active monthly participation in leisure and vigorous activity is associated with the maintenance of erectile function, while the relevance of muscle-strengthening activities needs further study.

Does erectile dysfunction predict cardiovascular risk? A cross-sectional study of clinical characteristics in patients with erectile dysfunction combined with coronary heart disease

“…In terms of literacy, patients with higher education have a milder degree of ED condition: higher education is an indicator of higher socio-economic status, and more literate ED patients pay more attention to ED treatment and maintain good lifestyle habits ( 28 ). In terms of amount of exercise, patients with weekly fitness habits are more likely to have mild ED, which is consistent with recent reports ( 29 ). Exercise improves the quality of arterial ED by decreasing endothelial cell apoptosis ( 30 ), so maintaining good exercise habits has a therapeutic effect on ED and early CVD ( 31 ).…”

Association between life’s essential 8 and testosterone deficiency in US men: findings from national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2011–2016

“…The remaining participants were categorized as “Former smokers”. Alcohol intake was classified into five categories: no alcohol consumption (<12 drinks/lifetime), former alcohol consumption (≥12 drinks/lifetime and no drink now), mild alcohol consumption (2 drinks per day), moderate alcohol consumption (3 drinks per day), and heavy alcohol consumption (>3 drinks per day) ( 19 ). Hypertension was defined as a mean of multiple blood pressure measurements ≥140/90 mmHg, a prior diagnosis of hypertension, or the prescription of hypertension-lowering medication ( 20 ).…”

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“…The remaining participants were categorized as "Former smokers". Alcohol intake was classified into five categories: no alcohol consumption (<12 drinks/lifetime), former alcohol consumption (≥12 drinks/lifetime and no drink now), mild alcohol consumption (2 drinks per day), moderate alcohol consumption (3 drinks per day), and heavy alcohol consumption (>3 drinks per day) (19). Hypertension was defined as a mean of multiple blood pressure measurements ≥140/90 mmHg, a prior diagnosis of hypertension, or the prescription of hypertensionlowering medication (20).…”