title: Physical activity and erectile dysfunction in middle-aged men.
abstract: The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is high in men of all ages and  increases greatly in the elderly. In particular, severity and prevalence both  increase with aging. Because erectile dysfunction is a symptom, physicians  should diagnose underlying pathologies that might lead to it instead of  focusing only on finding a viable treatment. Physical inactivity negatively  impacts on erectile function; experimental and clinical exercise interventions  have been shown to improve sexual responses and overall cardiovascular health.  Several studies have confirmed that combining 2 interventions (Mediterranean  diet and physical activity) provides additional benefit to erectile function,  likely via reduced metabolic disturbances (eg, inflammatory markers, insulin  resistance), decreased visceral adipose tissue, and improvement in vascular  function (eg, increased endothelial function). This brief review shows the  main clinical evidence of benefits induced by physical activity on erectile  and endothelial dysfunction. The literature shows that erectile dysfunction in  middle-aged men is often an early event in endothelial damage, and physical  activity is able to improve both erectile and endothelial dysfunction. There  are conflicting data regarding the effects of exercise on androgen status. In  clinical practice it would be recommended to add regular physical activity to  balanced diet and drugs to achieve better therapeutic results.
authors: Section of Endocrinology, Andrology, and Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, Catania University, Policlinico G. Rodolico, S Sofia 78th St, Bldg 4, Rm 2C82, 95123 Catania, Italy. sandrolavignera@email.it
authors: Sandro
authors: S
authors: La Vignera
authors: Rosita
authors: R
authors: Condorelli
authors: Enzo
authors: E
authors: Vicari
authors: Rosario
authors: R
authors: D'Agata
authors: Aldo E
authors: AE
authors: Calogero