Survey: Sports Proven To Improve Men's Mental And Sexual Health

JAKARTA Sports is not only beneficial for the body, but also has a major effect on men's mental and sexual health. A survey from the Cleveland Clinic found that most men felt increased self-confidence, mental health, and sexual arousal after exercising regularly.

However, these findings also show other facts, about 30% of men do not do physical activity regularly. Whereas for those who exercise, the benefits feel very real.

Reporting from the US News page, while missing a training session, they reported having a negative impact among them:

- 81% feel less energy or tired quickly.

- 47% are experiencing an increase in stress or irritability.

- 33% feel his mental health is declining.

In addition, 61% of men call their physical fitness a direct effect on sexual arousal and performance in bed.

"Men often only focus on physical health, even though mental and sexual health are equally important, and the three are interrelated. If one is disturbed, then the other can also be affected," said Dr. Petar Bajic, Director of Male Health at the Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic.

The survey also highlighted sexual complaints that are often experienced by men. About 18% reported a decrease in sexual desire in the past year, while 15% claimed to have erectile dysfunction.

More surprising, most men don't know that sexual complaints can be an early sign of serious illness. The survey found:

- 72% didn't realize it could be a sign of heart disease.

- 74% don't know his relationship with diabetes is out of control.

- 65% are unaware of the high blood pressure.

- 59% do not know that mental health problems can be triggered, such as depression.

Apart from physical factors, the majority of men also face mental stress. The survey recorded 86% of men experience stress, anxiety, or mental fatigue a week.

As many as 52% feel insecure about appearances due to social media or public expectations, while 47% claim to often compare themselves with others online.

However positive results emerged from other findings. About 66% of men say they have or are willing to seek professional mental health assistance to deal with these pressures.

"Health problems rarely come alone. The more we open the stigma to talk about issues such as sexual performance or stress, the more ready men to control their health and get the support they need," added Dr. Bajic.

This survey is part of a MENTION IT campaign from the Cleveland Clinic that encourages men to be more open to talking about their health.

"When a man is more proactive in his health by exercising regularly, conducting checks, and maintaining mental health, many problems can be prevented until they are detected early when they can still be treated." explained Bajic.

The online survey was conducted on June 35, 2025 and involved 1,140 adult men in the United States.