Babak Hooshmand Moghadam, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Sahabeh Mahdian, Ali Bakhtiyari, Mozhgan Eskandari,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes and obesity are associated with a decrease in sexual function and sexual activity due to changes in sex hormones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the Independent and interactive effect of Tribulus terrestris supplementation and resistance training on testosterone, FSH, LH and erectile function in obese men with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 obese men with type II diabetes (41.97±8.01 years old, BMI 31.97±1.87 kg/m2) were divided into four groups: 1) Resistance training+ placebo 2) Tribulus terrestris 3) Resistance training+Tribulus terrestris 4) Control. Subjects in the first and third groups performed a Resistance training protocol for 8 weeks. Also, the subjects in the second and third groups received Tribulus terrestris 1000 mg daily (two 500 mg capsules) and the first group received the same amount of placebo. Blood samples and questionnaires were collected in two stages before and after the test to assess the biochemical values and erectile function. Statistical analysis of data was performed using t-test, one way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Results showed that erectile, testosterone, FSH and LH values increased significantly in the three groups of resistance training, tribulus terrestris and resistance training+tribulus terrestris (P≤0.05). Also, were observed significant difference in all variables between resistance training+tribulus terrestris group whit resistance training and tribulus terrestris groups (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: It seams that eight weeks of independent Tribulus terrestris Consumption and performing Resistance training increases sexual and erectile function. But it seams, combining these two, causes more sexual and erectile dysfunction in obese men with type 2 diabetes.
Babak Hooshmand Moghadam,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent, underdiagnosed, and impactful complication of type 2 diabetes in men, involving multiple physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. This narrative review aimed to comprehensively examine the current evidence regarding the role of exercise interventions in improving sexual function among men with type 2 diabetes through a multidimensional lens.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted based on a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Eligible studies included clinical trials, systematic reviews, and basic research focused on exercise and sexual function in men with diabetes. The analysis addressed physiological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, psychological factors, and research gaps.
Results: The evidence suggests that exercise improves sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes through multiple pathways, including enhanced insulin sensitivity, increased testosterone levels, improved penile vascular function, and psychological benefits such as reduced performance anxiety, depression, and improved body image. The type, intensity, and duration of exercise were found to be crucial in determining the outcomes. This review also identified significant research gaps, such as the lack of long-term trials and limited focus on neurohormonal mechanisms.
Conclusion: It seems that exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological, and effective intervention with substantial potential to improve sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes. The findings of this review can inform integrated therapeutic protocols and guide clinical practices aimed at enhancing sexual health in this population. A personalized exercise approach, supported by a multidisciplinary team, is recommended as part of formal care for diabetic men experiencing sexual dysfunction.
