What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED) ???
Male sexual dysfunction places a significant stress on the sufferer and is often associated with underlying psychological and cardiovascular risk factors. It encompasses ejaculatory disorders, erectile dysfunction (ED) decreased libido and premature ejaculation (PE) and often occurs secondary to pelvic floor musculature dysfunction.
What is the relationship between ED and Pelvic floor?
The function of the pelvic floor includes:
- Supporting the abdominal contents
- To coordinate contraction with sphincters for defecation and urination
- To facilitate erectile and ejaculatory processes in men.
According to a systematic review study which included over 200 studies, it has shown that incorporating pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as a conservative management for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) to be effective (Myers, C., & Smith, M. 2019).
What is Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)?
Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or the alternative name ‘Kegels’ exercise are a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. A PFMT exercise is like pretending that you have to urinate, and then holding it. You relax and tighten the muscles that control urine flow. It is important to find the right muscles to tighten.
The next time you have to urinate, start to go and then stop. Feel the muscles in your bladder or anus get tight and move up. These are the pelvic floor muscles. If you feel them tighten, you have done the exercise right. But do not make it a habit to do the exercises each time while you urinate.
It is very important that you keep the following muscles relaxed while doing pelvic floor muscle training exercises:
- Abdominal
- Buttocks
- Thigh
For more tailored and ES-specific PFMT exercise, find a specialised physiotherapist in men’s health to help you with the program.
Reference:
- Myers, C., & Smith, M. (2019). Pelvic floor muscle training improves erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: a systematic review. Physiotherapy. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2019.01.002
Prepared by:
Jon
Your Physio Kepong