Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction refers to a recurring and persistent condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection during intercourse. There are several causes for erectile dysfunction and doctors often consider it one of the earliest signs of heart disease. Hypertension, diabetes and obesity are also contributing factors in erectile dysfunction as are lifestyle factors like stress and exercise.
Physical and Psychological Response to Stress
Stress causes the adrenal glands to release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline into the blood stream. Cortisol stimulates the liver to release sugar into the blood, for quick energy. Adrenaline causes the blood vessels to constrict, increases the heart rate and shuts down the digestive system. This sequence of events is known as the fight-or-flight response and, in the past, this response kept us alive by giving us the energy and strength to fight off a threat or retreat to safety. Today, we are more likely to encounter emotional threats, which are not easily eliminated. We can't fight or run away from marital problems or job stress. Therefore, we are more likely to spend days, weeks and even years in fight-or-flight. Over time, the persistent physical effects of stress can lead to digestive problems, hypertension, heart disease and even diabetes. Persistent stress also puts us at greater risk for depression and anxiety. The emotional and physical effects of stress can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Physical and Psychological Response to Exercise
Exercise can actually relieve stress by simulating the act of fighting and fleeing. The body can't tell the difference between a sabre-tooth tiger and a psychotic boss and will, therefore, react the same way to both. Conversely, the body can't tell the difference between running on a treadmill and running from said tiger. The body simply knows that the body is either fighting or fleeing the threat. Exercise also elevates the mood by releasing endorphins--the body's natural "feel good" hormones. Additionally, aerobic exercise conditions the cardiovascular system by making the heart stronger and the lungs more efficient. Resistance exercise increases the metabolism so that we burn more calories at rest. By improving our mood, conditioning the cardiovascular system and helping us to maintain a healthy body weight, exercise can actually reverse many of the physical and psychological factors known to cause erectile dysfunction.
Stress, Exercise and Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise and avoiding stressful situations do not cause erectile dysfunction -- they have actually been known to do the reverse, and the Mayo Clinic advocates both exercise and stress management in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. There are rare cases where too much exercise may cause a drop in testosterone levels -- which may affect libido -- but that requires several hours of vigorous exercise a day. Exercise is not only an effective treatment but can actually prevent erectile dysfunction. In a study, conducted by the American Council on Exercise, men who exercised vigorously for 20 to 30 minutes were less likely to have erection problems than inactive men. The University of California also conducted a study in which 78 sedentary men reported more reliable sexual functioning and more frequent sexual activity after exercising one hour per day, three to four times a week.
