Does Running Help With Erectile Dysfunction? – Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is the most prevalent urinary disorder that plagues millions of men worldwide. It is defined as not being able to obtain or sustain an erection large enough to facilitate the vaginal motions necessary for sex. Even though most medical therapies exist for ED, the majority of men are exercising outside the gym – for example, running – in an attempt to improve their sexual function. This paper seeks to prove that there is a connection between running and ED and to assess whether running actually can improve the state of ED.
Running is aerobic exercise performed with the legs repeatedly moving which raises heart rate and oxygen supply. It has been shown to offer numerous health advantages, including weight reduction, cardiovascular health and stamina. But its effect on erectile function was the topic of debate in recent years.
One of the main causes of ED is poor blood flow to the penis.
This is in part because of factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or a sedentary life. A cardiovascular activity like running will increase circulation in your entire body, including the genitals. According to a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, men who exercised regularly (eg, ran) were less likely to develop ED than those who sat idle.
Additionally, running has been found to decrease the risk of developing conditions that might trigger ED. Obesity, as mentioned earlier, is one of the major risk factors for ED. Running can make you lose weight, which improves sexual function. In a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers reported that erectile function increased markedly in men who lost weight through exercise and diet.
Another possible reason why running on ED could be advantageous is the impact it has on testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is an important part of sexual functioning. Males’ testosterone levels decline as they age which in turn contributes to the ED. But studies have demonstrated that frequent exercise, including running, can boost testosterone in men.
Aside from the physiological benefits, running can also have a positive impact on psychological factors that contribute to ED.
1. Reduced Stress
Stress is one of the most common factors responsible for erectile dysfunction. If you are stressed, you release cortisol throughout your body which, when taken in large quantities, can cause a reversal of the testosterone that is essential for sex. This bodily response to chronic stress translates into lowered sexual health and sexual sensitivity.
Running works wonderfully as a stress reliever. Because it’s an aerobic exercise, it generally promotes the release of endorphins or “feel-good” hormones. These all-natural mood enhancers both relieve anxiety and bring you to a state of wellbeing. Stress as a whole can be reduced through regular running, which leads to the hormones being balanced out. Edema could be significantly avoided if stress was effectively relieved through running.
2. Improved Mood
Depression and anxiety sucks the life out of your self-confidence and sexual desire. These might be self-sustaining suppressive conditions in which the lack of confidence exacerbates depression. Regular running can numb these bad feelings by pumping up serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in maintaining the right mental tone, healthy appetite and even sleep. When your serotonin levels are healthy, running helps keep your mood optimal, boosts your self-esteem, and minimizes ED risk.
3. Improved Self-Esteem
ED can have an immense impact on one’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Running will give you that satisfaction, whether you are running a certain distance or setting personal bests. When you can reach these established running targets, your self-esteem and body image will have an amazing boost. This can be the starting point that makes you feel better about yourself and thus lowers the ED state.
4. Improved Sleep
Sleep disorders also accompany erectile dysfunction. Bad sleep can affect hormone production, including the lowering of testosterone. Running promotes healthy sleeping because exercise depletes the body and relieves stress. Regular exercise regulates circadian cycles, and good sleep follows. Running promotes sleep: it helps keep the hormonal stressors associated with erectile dysfunction even more low.
5. Improved Concentration and Focus
You have to be present and in control if you want a satisfying sex session. Distractions and distractions interrupt all that, and even cause erectile dysfunction. In itself, running entails a certain amount of focus and attention, thus increasing mental fitness. When they mastered these mental jumps on the running track, they could easily make their way to the bedroom and reduce performance-inhibiting distractions.
We know that running has been proven to reduce ED, but it’s important to understand that results will vary. Some men see dramatic changes in their erectile function, others may not notice any at all. Besides, running isn’t likely to cure severe ED on its own, and it should not be the sole remedy. But adding running to an ED treatment plan could bring additional benefits.
Conclusion: Does Running Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
To conclude, running now has proof of its association with erectile dysfunction. The increase in blood circulation, the reduction of the risk of any underlying disorders, the boost in testosterone, and mental health makes it a novel exercise for ED men. This needs to be researched further to fully determine its efficacy and its use in ED. For ED, men should ideally talk to their doctor about what should be done for them.
