The scientific mechanism of exercise in preventing erectile dysfunction and five key factors for men to maintain vigorous sexual function.

According to research by Dr. Goldstein of Boston Medical University, men who burn at least 2,000 calories a day through exercise have a significantly lower chance of experiencing erectile dysfunction than those who don't exercise. Many men, after reaching middle age, with stable jobs and marriages, no longer need to maintain a certain appearance and thus lose the habit of exercising; or they believe that because they don't smoke or drink, have a healthy weight, and are otherwise healthy, they stop exercising altogether. However, when the topic turns to "sexual function," few men remain indifferent. Exercise can prevent cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction for the same reason: it keeps blood vessels clear. In fact, erectile dysfunction can be considered an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease because when blood flow is impaired, the effect is more pronounced in penile erection. Studies have shown that any aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, swimming, playing ball games, and rhythmic gymnastics, is effective in improving cardiovascular fitness. Exercising 2-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes each time, with a heart rate maintained between 100-124 beats per minute, can greatly enhance sexual pleasure. It is important to note that the duration and intensity of exercise must be appropriate. Excessive or overly strenuous exercise can increase the secretion of adrenal cortex hormones, thereby suppressing the production of sex hormones, causing hormonal imbalances, and inducing physical and mental fatigue, ultimately leading to a loss of interest in sex.

Three effective methods to help achieve penile erection: (1) Injection method: This involves injecting vasoactive agents, such as papaverine or a mixture thereof, or prostaglandin E₁ into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Injections are often used in combination with phenytoin to keep the penis erect, lasting, and natural for 15-30 minutes. Although these injections are almost painless, most men are still very cautious about them and prefer other methods. (2) Penile erection device: This is a special vacuum device that draws blood into the penis and then places a tight ring around the base of the penis to prevent backflow, thus keeping the penis erect. When used properly, this device is safe and usually effective. (3) Penile prosthesis: The most thorough and permanent way to overcome erectile dysfunction is to use a penile implant, that is, to surgically insert an artificial rod or erection pump into the penis. When using an artificial rod, the penis will always be in a semi-erect state; when using an erection pump, as its name suggests, it can be "pumped" up when needed. When erectile dysfunction is caused by organic factors, implants are considered the "gold standard" for treatment. Semi-rigid prostheses are not very expensive, and expensive inflatable prostheses can be very useful, but 50% of them will fail within 5 years.

Key to maintaining vigorous sexual function in men: (1) Maintaining moderate sexual stimulation: As men age, some may experience dissatisfaction in their sex life. In fact, harmonious sex life has little to do with age. The more moderate the sexual activity, the more it can promote the secretion of hormones, especially sex hormones. The part of the human body that controls sexual function is the hypothalamus of the diencephalon. Moderate sexual activity can stimulate and activate the function of this part, thus maintaining vigorous sexual function for a long time. According to the basic principle of "use it or lose it" in the theory of biological evolution, a long-term lack of sexual activity will cause the degeneration of sexual function, or even loss of sexual function. (2) Appropriate hot water shower: When people take a warm and comfortable shower, they naturally get rid of tension and feel relaxed and happy after taking a bath. For example, showering with hot water or applying a hot towel to the head during a bath can improve blood circulation in the brain and drive tension and anxiety out of the mind. This allows the body to relax and rest while also activating the function of the testes. (3) Wearing loose pants: In recent years, many men have taken to wearing tight pants or jeans. Medical research shows that wearing loose pants is more beneficial to enhancing testicular function than wearing tight pants. The reason is very simple: tight pants tightly wrap around the scrotum, causing it to lose the function of regulating testicular temperature through contraction and relaxation. As a result, the testicles can only rely on the sweating of the scrotal skin for temperature regulation, resulting in a damp and hot genital area that loses its dry and clean environment. Therefore, it is better for men to wear loose pants, which is more conducive to maintaining vigorous sexual function. (4) Keep a short nap during the day: As we all know, the most effective medicine for restoring energy is sleep. If you can get a good night's sleep, you will get unexpected results. However, in the busy modern life, not many people can maintain 8 hours of sleep every day. Most people are often in a state of sleep deprivation. In this case, even a short nap during the day, even 10 to 20 minutes, will have a good effect on relieving fatigue, relaxing emotions, and restoring the spirit. Furthermore, since the body lies flat when resting, the heart and testicles are at the same level, which makes the venous blood return of the testicles smooth and also promotes testicular function. (5) Do not fall asleep immediately after sexual intercourse: Some men often fall asleep immediately after sexual intercourse in hopes of eliminating fatigue. However, medical research shows that falling asleep immediately after sexual intercourse not only fails to eliminate fatigue but also prolongs it into the next day. This is because the fatigue experienced by men after sexual intercourse is mostly due to the brain and spinal cord function that controls ejaculation, which changes from tension before ejaculation to relaxation after ejaculation. If one falls asleep immediately afterward, the fatigue reflex function will continue to relax, leaving residual fatigue from the night until the next morning. If one does not fall asleep immediately afterward, the reflex function can be restored.