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

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.