A new nationwide survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic has brought renewed attention to the connection between physical fitness and sexual health in American men. According to the findings, 61 percent of men report that their exercise habits directly influence their sex drive or sexual performance. Yet despite this self-awareness, a significant portion of respondents admitted to struggles with low libido and erectile dysfunction. The results are part of the Clinic’s 10th annual “MENtion It” campaign, which seeks to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations around men’s health.
The survey, conducted in June 2025, gathered responses from over 1,100 men aged 18 and older. While the majority of participants recognized the positive effects of exercise on mental clarity, mood, and sexual function, nearly one-third confessed to skipping regular physical activity. This gap between understanding and action underscores a deeper issue in preventive men’s health, where lifestyle choices are acknowledged but not always followed through.
Among the more troubling statistics, 18 percent of men reported experiencing low sexual desire in the past year, while 15 percent acknowledged difficulty with erectile dysfunction. These are not insignificant figures, especially considering the physical and psychological toll that sexual health issues can take on individuals and their relationships. Despite widespread perceptions that sexual dysfunction is tied only to aging, experts involved in the study emphasized that these symptoms can affect men across all age groups and often point to underlying health conditions.
One of the most revealing aspects of the survey was the lack of awareness around what sexual health symptoms can indicate. Nearly three-quarters of respondents did not know that erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. A similar number were unaware of the connection between poor sexual performance and uncontrolled diabetes. Even mental health—a factor often linked to libido and function—was not widely recognized by participants as a contributor to sexual health problems.
Doctors say this highlights a missed opportunity for early diagnosis and intervention. Symptoms like reduced libido or inconsistent performance are often dismissed or avoided in conversation, when they could be the first signals of more serious medical issues. Health providers are encouraging men to speak openly about changes in their sexual health and to view these issues as important diagnostic tools, not simply private embarrassments.
The survey also examined how exercise influences confidence and emotional health. Among men who regularly engage in physical activity, 81 percent reported feeling a noticeable drop in mood or energy when they missed workouts. Many also indicated that their confidence—both personally and sexually—was higher when they were consistent with their fitness routines. Regular strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and adequate recovery were all cited as essential components not just for physical health, but for mental resilience and relationship satisfaction.
Still, barriers remain. Men who skip regular workouts often cite lack of time, motivation, or competing responsibilities as reasons. But experts caution that the consequences of prolonged inactivity are more than cosmetic. In addition to weight gain and fatigue, men who forego exercise are also more likely to experience stress, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders—all of which can further compound sexual health issues. A majority of men surveyed admitted to feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or emotional fatigue on a weekly basis, with more than half expressing dissatisfaction with their physical appearance. These insecurities, often fueled by social media comparisons, can create a self-reinforcing cycle of withdrawal and avoidance.
In response, clinicians are urging a more holistic approach to men’s health. Rather than viewing sexual health as a separate or taboo topic, it should be integrated into broader wellness conversations that include mental health, fitness, and preventive care. Health professionals recommend that men adopt balanced routines that combine aerobic and anaerobic exercises, monitor their heart health and blood sugar levels, and seek regular checkups to stay ahead of potential issues.
Ultimately, the Cleveland Clinic’s survey reveals an important but often overlooked truth: physical fitness and sexual health are deeply intertwined. Maintaining an active lifestyle not only supports the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, both critical for sexual function, but also fosters mental clarity, emotional stability, and personal confidence. When these elements align, men are more likely to feel empowered in their relationships and proactive about their health.
As the MENtion It campaign continues its mission to normalize discussions around men’s health, the message is increasingly clear—sexual health is health, and fitness is more than aesthetics. It’s a foundation for overall well-being, and one that men ignore at their peril. The conversation, researchers say, must move from silence and stigma to openness and action.