Can exercise reduce symptoms of male sexual dysfunction?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Moderate exercise can enhance hormone levels and improve blood flow, which may alleviate symptoms of male sexual dysfunction (particularly erectile dysfunction) by promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, excessive exercise can negatively affect libido.

    Like all things, the dose matters! A moderate amount of exercise can increase levels of hormones in the body including testosterone, cortisol, prolactin, and oxytocin — all of which play a role in your sex drive. Exercise also improves blood flow and reduces risk factors for diseases that are associated with sexual dysfunction including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. A weekly exercise duration of 160 minutes has been shown to improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction that were related to improved cardiovascular and metabolic health.[1] Performing pelvic floor (i.e., Kegel) exercises may also strengthen lower pelvic muscles and improve erectile function and satisfaction. On the other hand, extreme levels of exercise may cause libido to fall drastically.

    Can exercise reduce symptoms of male sexual dysfunction? - Examine