Effects of Lifestyle Changes and Testosterone Therapy on Erectile Function

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyle together with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension are considered risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). Behavioral changes and lifestyle modifications are considered a cornerstone of any strategy designed to ameliorate comorbidities, producing healthy changes in body composition, and reducing the risk of ED. Exercise coupled with changes in diet, reduction in alcohol consumption, and cessation of smoking contributes to improved risk profile and overall reduction in medical and psychosocial burden of ED. In this chapter, we summarize the data available in the literature on the risk factors for ED and provide discussion on the potential approaches to reducing the risk of ED by promoting changes in lifestyle. We suggest that changes in lifestyle alone may be insufficient to bring about necessary changes in body composition to ameliorate the aforementioned comorbidities. Thus, therapeutic interventions may be necessary, in combination with lifestyle and behavioral changes. Based on recent findings in the clinical literature, we suggest that testosterone (T) therapy, bariatric surgery, and other pharmacological interventions are potential therapeutic strategies to treatment of overweight and obesity, improving body composition and ameliorating symptoms of comorbidities and reducing the risk of erectile function. Health care providers and clinicians are urged to encourage their patients to combine lifestyle modification with therapeutic interventions, when indicated, to improve overall health and reduce the risk of ED.