Men who exercise have 'better sexual function'?

Scientists have uncovered the key to men's sexual success - more exercise.

Those who are fit and active have better erectile and sexual function, new research has revealed.

And the more strenuous the exercise, the better.

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found men who reported more frequent exercise, a total of 18 metabolic equivalents, known as METS, per week, had higher sexual function scores, regardless of race. 

'This study is the first to link the benefits of exercise in relation to improved erectile and sexual function in a racially diverse group of patients,' said senior author Adriana Vidal.

Researchers collected and analysed data from nearly 300 people.

The participants self-reported their activity levels, which researchers then categorised as sedentary, mildly active, moderately active, or highly active. 

The subjects also self-reported their sexual function, including the ability to have erections, orgasms, the quality and frequency of erections, and overall sexual function.

Ultimately, they discovered men who exercised less reported lower levels of sexual function.

There are other contributors to low sexual function, such as diabetes, older age, past or current smoking, and coronary artery disease.

Indeed, doctors are increasingly warning that erectile dysfunction is can often be an early warning sign of heart disease. 

'The body needs a good blood supply for an erection - and erectile problems are actually a very clear barometer of cardiovascular health,’ said Raj Persad, a urologist at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Cardiologist Graham Jackson, of the Sexual Advice Association, adds: ‘A man in his 40s with erectile dysfunction has a 50-fold greater risk of having a heart attack over the next ten years.

'It’s actually a predictor of death rather than simply heart disease.’

Experts say men experiencing any degree of erectile dysfunction should seek medical help.