Article
Exercises to treat erectile dysfunction.
Pelvic floor and aerobic exercises genuinely help ED by improving the muscles and blood flow erections depend on.
Exercises can genuinely help erectile dysfunction, both through pelvic floor training that targets the muscles involved in erections and through general aerobic exercise that improves the blood flow erections depend on. They are a safe, evidence-supported part of treatment, though not always a complete cure on their own. This article covers what works.
It is a topic in our erectile dysfunction and men's sexual health section.
Pelvic floor exercises
The pelvic floor muscles help trap blood in the penis and maintain rigidity. Strengthening them with targeted "Kegel" exercises has been shown to improve erectile function in some men, especially those with mild ED or post-prostate issues. They are done by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles used to stop urine flow.
Aerobic exercise
Because ED is often a blood-flow problem, regular aerobic exercise — brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling — is one of the most effective lifestyle measures. It improves the health of blood vessels and circulation, benefiting erections and the heart at the same time.
| Type | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Pelvic floor (Kegels) | traps blood, maintains rigidity |
| Aerobic exercise | improves blood vessels and flow |
| Strength/weight control | supports hormones, reduces risk |
How to do pelvic floor exercises
Identify the muscles by briefly stopping the flow of urine, then, at other times, contract them for a few seconds, relax, and repeat in sets through the day. Consistency over weeks is key. A physiotherapist can teach the technique correctly for best results.
Realistic expectations
Exercise is most effective for mild to moderate ED and as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. It may not fully resolve ED with a strong physical cause, where medication or other treatment is also needed. But it improves results and overall health, with no side effects.
Combining with other measures
Exercise works best alongside stopping smoking, a good diet, weight control and stress reduction. If ED persists despite these, see a doctor, as it can signal heart disease. For other natural options, see ginseng for ED.
Ginseng: ginseng for ED. L-carnitine: L-carnitine for ED. Diabetes: ED with diabetes.
Building it into a routine
The benefit of exercise comes from consistency, so building it into a routine matters more than intensity. A mix of regular aerobic activity and daily pelvic floor exercises, kept up over weeks, gives the best results and improves overall health too. Because it is free and safe, exercise is a sensible first step for almost anyone with ED, alongside any other treatment a doctor advises.
Patience and consistency
Results from exercise build gradually, so patience matters: pelvic floor training in particular can take weeks of daily practice before the benefit shows. Pairing it with aerobic activity and other healthy habits compounds the effect. Because there is no downside and broad health gains, exercise is worth starting early and sticking with, whether on its own for mild ED or alongside medication for more stubborn cases.
Frequently asked questions
- Can exercises treat ED?
- Yes; pelvic floor exercises and aerobic exercise both help, especially in mild to moderate ED.
- What are pelvic floor exercises?
- Repeated contractions of the muscles used to stop urine flow, which help maintain erections.
- Are they enough on their own?
- Often for mild ED; stronger physical causes may also need medication or other treatment.