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Exercise Prolongs Men's Sex Lives
Aug. 22, 2003 -- Here's one more reason to exercise -- and believe it or not, it's not heart related. Researchers say exercise may add years to a man's sex life and lower chances of impotenceimpotence.
The study showed that men over age 50 who kept physically active had a 30% lower risk of impotence than men who were inactive. As men age, the chance of impotence increases, but the research shows that exercise can keep a man going significantly longer. The findings appear in the August issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.
Impotence Affects 20 Million Americans
Studies show that impotence, also called erectile dysfunctionerectile dysfunction, is far reaching; it affects as many as 20 million American men. By age 60 nearly half of all men will have had at least one brush with impotence, researchers say. For decades, worsening sexual function has been accepted as a natural part of agingaging, but researchers for this study write they may have proof this doesn't have to be the case.
To test their theory, researchers surveyed more than 31,000 men between the ages of 53 and 90. Volunteers rated their ability in the previous three months, without treatment, to have and maintain an erection adequate for sex. Researchers also analyzed other measures of sexual function and looked at the men's lifestyle habits.
Fitter Men Have Better Erections
Results showed that men who were physically active reported better erections: The fitter the man, the better the erection. Frequent, vigorous exercise, the equivalent of running at least three hours a week or playing singles tennis five hours per week, produced the most benefit -- with a 30% lower risk of impotence.
Findings also showed that men less than 60 years old benefited most from exercise. But bad lifestyle habits such as being overweight, watching more than 20 hours of television a week, and smoking offset the benefits of being young.
Researchers write that they hope men will get an important message: Sexual activity can stay strong for years through healthy living. Impotence doesn't have to be a "normal" part of aging.
SOURCE: Bacon, C. Annals of Internal Medicine, August 2003; vol 139: pp 161-168.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
