Improving ED and urinary incontinence with pelvic floor physical therapy may sound like a foreign language to the average American male. Even though approximately 25% of men under 40 have issues with ED, they may not be familiar with the importance of strong pelvic floor muscles and how physical therapy can improve their issues.
The Many Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction
There are numerous reasons an otherwise healthy male has problems with ED and urinary incontinence. If you leak a bit when doing squats, experience pain during or after sex, and sometimes have urinary or bowel incontinence, there could be a correlation between the two.
Many men believe ED comes from a mental or emotional problem. Of course, that could be a part of the reason, but more likely there is something else going on. If you are unable to maintain an erection, there are other possible reasons why. They include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Low testosterone
- Blood flow problems
- Heart disease (including high blood pressure and high cholesterol)
- Alcohol use
- Certain prescription drugs
So it may not be “all in your head.”
Taking a pill may seem like the simple way to correct the problem of ED, but if you’re not into popping pills or if you really want to overcome this issue, there are other ways.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening
Women are ahead of most men in understanding the need for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, and they perform certain exercises before and after pregnancy. Known as Kegel exercises, they also help to promote urinary continence in women along with sexual health.
There are similar benefits for men. The bulbocavernosus muscle controls the engorgement of blood during erection, helps to pump the semen during ejaculation, and aids in emptying the urethra after urination. Keeping this muscle strong should be a consideration for men.
You can perform Kegel exercises yourself as one way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- Stop your urine stream in the middle of urination.
- Clench and hold those muscles for 5 seconds and then release.
- Perform 10-20 repetitions.
Physical Therapy For Pelvic Floor Muscles
Kegel exercises will help some, but a professional therapist is trained to address and strengthen all pelvic floor muscles. Most men might be surprised about how common this type of therapy is today, even those who find it difficult to talk about ED problems. Seek out someone who specializes in ED PT.
Almost 73% of men report an improvement in ED issues after participating in physical therapy.
Schedule an ED or Urinary Incontinence Appointment in Orange County, CA
Speak to Southland Urology about any possible physical issues surrounding your ED issues, and ask for a recommendation for an ED physical therapist. Call (714) 870-5970 to schedule an appointment at our urology clinics in Orange County, CA today.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/exercises
https://pelvicpainrehab.com/male-pelvic-pain/4639/when-having-a-hard-on-is-a-hard-time-how-pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-can-help-you/