Prostate Cancer and Sexual Dysfunction: Exercise Therapy Shows Promise

Exercise as an Approach to Sexual Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer

Can regular exercise improve the sexual dysfunction commonly experienced by men treated for prostate cancer? JAMA Network Openpublished a new study on March 12, 2025, that offers an encouraging answer. Prof. Dr. Daniel Galvão, Director of the Exercise Medicine Research Institute at Edith Cowan University, and his team examined the effects of regular physical activity on erectile dysfunction in patients with prostate cancer.

How Prostate Cancer Treatment Affects Sexual Health

Prostate cancer treatments include hormone suppression, also known as androgen deprivation therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. However, these treatments can cause significant side effects, including sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, or difficulty achieving an erection, can reduce patients' quality of life and negatively affect their relationships.

Erectile dysfunction is a major concern for patients with prostate cancer. However, the problem affects both patients and their relationships. Unfortunately, most patients do not receive sufficient guidance about healthcare interventions that could support their sexual function. This study aims to address that gap.

Study Methods and Findings

The study examined the effects of regular exercise and psychosexual education in 112 patients with prostate cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups:

1. Exercise Group: Participants performed aerobic and resistance exercises under clinical supervision 3 days a week.

2. Control Group: Participants continued their usual care.

Exercise Program

• Moderate-to-high-intensity cardiovascular exercise for 20-30 minutes, 3 days a week, such as treadmill exercise, cycling, or swimming

• Each session included 6-8 different resistance exercises, such as weightlifting, with 6-12 repetitions of each

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise per week at home

Some patients were also offered a brief psychosexual education and self-management program . This program provided educational materials about treating erectile dysfunction and audio resources for stress management.

Results

• After 6 months of follow-up, psychosexual education was not found to provide additional benefit.

• Significant improvements in erectile function among patients who exercised regularly were observed.

• Patients receiving radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy, in particular, benefited more than those who had undergone surgery.

• Patients with low levels of sexual desire, relationship satisfaction, and overall satisfaction at baseline benefited most from exercise.

• Exercise prevented an increase in body fat percentage and improved muscle strength.

Should Exercise Be a Standard Treatment for Patients with Prostate Cancer?

The researchers emphasized that exercise should be considered a core treatment option for men experiencing sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer.

This study suggests that exercise may be an effective intervention for men experiencing sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer. Exercise medicine should be considered an important component of their care.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Men experiencing sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer should incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines.

• Exercise has beneficial effects on erectile function as well as body composition and overall health.

• A combination of aerobic and resistance exercisesmay help improve sexual function and muscle strength while supporting overall well-being.

• Doctors and physiotherapists should recommend exercise-based rehabilitation programs to patients with prostate cancer.

In conclusion, exercise should be considered an important non-drug option for improving sexual health in men treated for prostate cancer. Research suggests that physical activity may improve both general and sexual health. Referring patients to an appropriate exercise program may therefore play a crucial role in improving their quality of life after treatment.