OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Integrated Treatment for Men

Benefits of Exercise on ED & the Prostate
by Robyn Lonto, PT

Your probably already know that exercise is good for you, reducing risk for and controlling many diseases including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, anxiety/depression, obesity, some cancers (colon), stroke, and vascular disease. It also improves cardiopulmonary function, circulation, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. It gives you more energy and a better outlook on life and helps maintain your weight. But did you know that it may also help reduce your risk of developing erectile dysfunction and, for some men, prostate cancer?

Erectile dysfunction affects over half of all men between ages 40 and 70. Diseases which may affect erectile dysfunction include diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, thyroid problems, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. In fact, 40% of men with diabetes have some erection problem. (For more information see Dr. Buehler’s article in this issue of the newsletter.) One study reported a double in risk for erectile dysfunction with high blood pressure. And, increased cholesterol may increase the risk by up to 80 percent!

One of the major causes of erectile dysfunction is atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When arteries are blocked by plaque deposits, you can develop not only heart disease (coronary artery disease) but erectile problems. In fact, ED could even be early warning signs of other significant vascular problems (heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease). ED has some of the same risk factors as heart disease.

Studies have demonstrated that exercise significantly improves endothelial function (the ability of the blood vessels to contract and expand to improve blood flow and therefore circulation). In a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (2000), exercise was shown to improve coronary endothelial function even in patients with known coronary artery disease. So exercise improves circulation and reduces the risk for heart disease. For the same reasons exercise helps with ED. In a study of obese men with ED published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one-third regained sexual function after 2 years of adopting healthy behaviors, including exercise and weight loss.

The Journal of Urology reported men can lower their risk of erectile dysfunction significantly by burning 200 calories a day or walking briskly for about two miles, even if they don’t begin exercising until midlife. Men who burn more than 200 calories per day can lower their risk even more.

What about prostate cancer?

There has been growing evidence that physical activity may help prevent prostate cancer deaths. New research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows men over 65 who exercise regularly have a much lower risk of dying from prostate cancer. The study showed that men over 65 who performed a minimum of three hours of vigorous exercise per week had a nearly 70 percent lower risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer or dying from the disease! These same benefits however were not found in younger men.

Exercise has many benefits.

From disease prevention and psychological benefits to helping build and maintain strength, balance, circulation, fitness and overall well being. There is no one pill that has as many benefits as exercise. But you need to perform exercise regularly (every day), safely, and at adequate levels to achieve and maintain these benefits. Exercise needs to be part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth or taking your medicine/vitamins.

Before starting an exercise program or increasing your activity level, you should always consult with your doctor to assess your risk factors for disease and injury.

—June 2006

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