Erectile dysfunction is a deeply personal and distressing problem that describes a condition where an erection is either not possible or is not sufficient for the desired task of sexual activity. It is a condition that can have multiple causes and therefore you must discuss it with the GP. They will look for all medical reasons for this problem and advise you accordingly, conducting tests where necessary. We know that smoking, alcohol, a poor diet, and lack of exercise can have an impact (for some) on erectile function.
Physiotherapy can be very helpful where the pelvic floor is implicated and also specific advice on exercise, diet, and general wellbeing. Therapies might include:-
- Identification and removal of aggravating factors
- Consideration of lifestyle: Alcohol, smoking, diet, exercise.
- Manual therapy treatment to your low back and pelvis, getting the joints moving correctly
- Trigger point therapy: Getting the muscles working properly and reduction of the overactive parts in the low back muscles, hip muscles and pelvic floor muscles. You will also be taught how to do this yourself.
- Pelvic floor exercises to release your pelvic floor
- Self-stimulation activities are essential. Using hot, cold, light and harder touching of the penis can help with sensory reactivation. If the nerves are damaged after surgery then sensory reception will be compromised. Such activity can be done at home and often is better to do regularly.
- Specific hip, spine and pelvis exercises to get you and your pelvic floor moving better.
- Specialised Breathing and relaxation work. Relaxation through breathing has been found to be hugely beneficial for all types of conditions.
- Re-education of the pelvic floor, hip and abdominal musculature
- General exercise
We often recommend involving your partner as this will help with marital or relationship problems and in some cases can greatly expedite your recovery. In some cases, we will suggest seeing a counsellor as this can be hugely beneficial. Our minds and body are connected and we know about the harms that stress and anxiety can bring. If there is tension in the pelvis then stress and anxiety can exacerbate already vulnerable and sensitized regions of the body.
Further useful information on erections can be found on the NHS site
If you can’t find what you are suffering from here and are in any doubt as to whether we can help, please contact us to discuss and we will advise accordingly.
