Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can affect as many as 30 million men. It can occur when the pelvic floor muscles are in spasm, which can occlude the internal pudendal artery which provides blood to the penis. Increased pelvic floor tone can prevent proper contraction and relaxation of these muscles which is needed for penile rigidity.
There can be physical and/or psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
Physical causes include:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Low testosterone
Psychological causes include:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
We Can Help!
Pelvic health physical therapy is cost-effective and non-invasive. It can be very helpful in treating male erectile dysfunction as well as other types of sexual dysfunction. The goal in treatment is to improve circulation and decrease muscle tension to improve erection and ejaculation. Treatment would include various types of manual techniques such as soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point release of various muscles of the hips and back and pelvic floor. Treatment may also include muscle re-education of the pelvic floor, helping the patient to become more aware of the muscles when they are in a more relaxed, versus tightened state.
Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one-on-one treatment sessions and provides individualized treatment programs for each patient.
References:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes
- Cohen, D., Gonzalez, J, & Goldstein, I. (2016). The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Male Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Pain. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 4(1), 53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.10.001
