Do you really need the little blue pill?
Erectile dysfunction can affect as many as 30 million men.
Causes
Some causes of erectile dysfunction can include diabetes, heart conditions, stress, alcohol intake, and certain medications.
Treatment Options
A little blue pill came on the market in the late 90’s. It was a quick solution for erectile dysfunction. What many people don’t know is that pelvic physical therapy can offer a long term solution to resolve erectile dysfunction. It may help you become more spontaneous in the bedroom and improve intimacy relations.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Erectile dysfunction can occur when the pelvic floor muscles are in spasm. The increased tightness can occlude the internal pudendal artery. This artery provides blood to the penis. When the muscles of the pelvic floor are always tight, they are unable to contract or relax properly. These muscles and the blood supply to the penis are essential for penile rigidity.
Goals of Pelvic Physical Therapy
Pelvic physical therapy is cost-effective and non-invasive. It can be very beneficial in treating male erectile dysfunction. The goal in treatment is to improve circulation and decrease muscle tension. This results in improved blood flow to the penis and the ability to contract/relax the pelvic floor muscles well. The end result is improvement of erection and ejaculation.
Treatment Options
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, as well as trigger point release of the pelvic floor musculature. Treatment can also include muscle re-education of the pelvic floor, helping the patient to become more aware of the muscles. Improved body awareness allows the patient more control and improves self management.
Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one-on- one treatment sessions and provides individualized treatment programs for each patient.
References:
1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile- dysfunction/symptoms-ca
2. 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.
Author: Roseanne Cruz Schoen, DPT
Editing: Keely Faridi, PT
