Can Too Much Exercise Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Whether you have high blood pressure, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, or just want to make time for some weight loss in your schedule, hitting the gym can be a great way to improve your health. But what happens when you overdo it? Can too much exercise cause erectile dysfunction or other health conditions?

If you’re worried that too much lifting may result in problems with “lifting off” in the bedroom, you can rest easy for the most part. While intense exercise may be related to sexual health issues, exercise has typically been shown to reduce risk factors related to ED, like obesity.

Below, we’ll explore the relationship between exercise and erectile dysfunction (ED), reveal how too much of it could affect your performance, and share what to do if you can’t get hard after working out.

Many researchers have explored the relationship between exercise and erectile dysfunction. And if you’re a gym rat, you have little to worry about. Many studies have shown that sufficient exercise actually decreases erectile issues in men with ED.

In the big picture, physical fitness (especially cardio) is deeply linked to the ability to function sexually. Men’s health equals sexual health, fellas. 

Bad lifestyle choices, a sedentary lifestyle, or a poor diet can lead to obesity and poor cardiovascular health. Both conditions are risk factors for ED, so a lack of exercise could elevate ED risk.

The good news is that, along with a balanced diet, regular exercise can keep these problems away (and keep your risk of ED lower as well). But make all the wrong choices, and erectile dysfunction might find you, along with other health issues.

A healthy lifestyle (no smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, healthy eating, and the like) is considered the best DIY method for ED prevention. It can also help prevent heart disease, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and various other health problems.

Does Lifting Weights Help Erectile Dysfunction?

Some research shows that combining aerobic exercise with resistance training like weightlifting can improve your erectile health.

In three different studies, men with ED and cardiovascular disease who added resistance training to their aerobic regimens experienced a 15 percent improvement in erectile function. Researchers speculate this improvement is due to increased endothelial function and nitric oxide activity, which are functions that help widen blood vessels to encourage blood flow.

After all, erections depend on blood flow. When you’re aroused, your brain sets off a chain reaction that results in increased blood flow to the penis. This results in penile rigidity and firmness, making your member suitable for penetration. Without nitric oxide, this process doesn’t work.

Some research also shows that weightlifting can improve testosterone levels, which may support erectile health. Low testosterone is associated with sexual dysfunction, as well as fatigue, depression, and low bone mass.

Exercising to the point you faint, collapse, or suffer serious injury is unhealthy to begin with and will definitely put a damper on your sexual activity prospects in the short term.

Additionally, freak accidents can happen. Limited evidence suggests that nervous system injuries from cycling could contribute to ED despite being a low-impact exercise. However, adjustments to your riding style and the kind of bike seat you use could lower this risk.

Research has also looked into the impact of exercise on male sex drive. One study found that regular, higher levels of chronic intense exercise and regular, greater duration of endurance training were associated with a lower sex drive in men.

So, when it comes to the causes of erectile dysfunction, does exercise make the list? There isn’t necessarily a direct causal link, but it’s possible that overly intense physical activity could be related to reduced sexual interest or performance. For now, the positives outweigh the risks.

Cutting back on exercise for ED is only something you should do if you’ve taken it to extremes or harmed yourself.

We would highly suggest you do the following to stay safe when exercising:

• Hydrate

• Don’t exercise while ill

• Allow injuries to heal

• Wear protective gear

• Listen to your body

• Don’t let yourself overheat

Oh, and fun fact: Overheating can lead to dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations, and fainting, which could definitely keep you from performing sexually. Not-so-fun fact: It could also do long-term damage or cause death.

If you’re having erectile function problems, definitely keep eating well and exercising. Physical activity, good sleep habits, and low stress levels are great ways to protect your sex life and your overall health.

Other things you might consider are medication and mental health support.

Medication for ED

Medication, likewise, is a useful tool for treating other causes of erectile dysfunction—those related to vascular function.

Most ED medications are a type of drug called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors. These treat sexual dysfunctions like ED by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, ensuring healthy flow to erectile tissues. 

The most popular brands include:

• Viagra® (sildenafil)

• Cialis® (tadalafil)

• Stendra® (avanafil)

• Levitra® (vardenafil)

Hims also offers access to chewable hard mints, which feature the same active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis in varying dosages.

In studies, roughly 70 percent of men have been shown to benefit from using PDE5 inhibitors.

Therapy for ED

Honestly, the psychological causes of ED are pretty pervasive, especially among young men. Guys can experience a loss of sexual desire due to depression, performance anxiety, or low self-esteem. Therapy is an excellent way to work through these common fears.

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, getting help is vital — and to be honest, it’s also a time-sensitive issue.

ED is sometimes the first sign of a serious health issue, like heart disease — so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. 

Here’s the big picture:

• Exercise can help reduce the risk of ED. Adding high-intensity or aerobic exercise is one lifestyle change you should make to help prevent ED and other cardiovascular conditions you don’t want later in life.

• Intense exercise or overexertion could potentially hinder sexual function or performance. If you’re experiencing ED as a side effect of exercise-related injuries or exhaustion, talk to a healthcare professional. A urology expert (urologist) can help you figure out what’s going on.

• Instead of giving up your gym membership, seek treatment. ED isn’t something you have to live with. Contact a healthcare provider today for a treatment plan that works best for you. Treating erectile dysfunction early helps to prevent complications down the line.

In the meantime, check out our guides for more information on:

• Temporary ED

• Running and ED

• Pelvic floor exercises for guys