How much physical activity is needed to maintain erectile function? Results of the Androx Vienna Municipality Study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation of erectile function (EF) and physical activity (PhA) by using standardized, validated instruments in healthy men.

METHODS

A urologist examined 674 men aged 45-60 yr at their place of work. That included a urological physical examination, medical history, and assessment of testosterone (T) and sex hormone-binding globulin; all men completed the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) as well as the Paffenbarger score. PhA was assessed in kilojoules per week (4.2 kJ=1 kcal).

RESULTS

A positive correlation between the IIEF-5 and the Paffenbarger score (r=0.164, p<0.001) was found. The IIEF-5 score increased with an increasing Paffenbarger score up to a level of 4000 kcal/wk. T revealed a trend to a significant impact on the IIEF-5 score, but showed no association with the Paffenbarger score. The risk of severe erectile dysfunction (ED) was decreased by 82.9% for males with PhA of at least 3000 kcal/wk compared with males with PhA under 3000 kcal/wk (OR=0.171, p=0.018).

CONCLUSION

Increasing PhA from 1000 to 4000 kcal/wk may reduce the risk of ED.