How’s Your Eggplant?

Erectile Dysfunction and Physical Therapy

Is your “eggplant” soft and squishy instead of firm and ready to go? 

Does it take a lot longer to get “it” up or get “it” in the mood?

Does your “Peter” peter out before you’ve finished the job?

These can all be signs of a type of male sexual dysfunction called Erectile Dysfunction or ED. ED can cause a lack of desire, trouble getting an erection, or trouble maintaining one. Either way, any or all of these can be a big party pooper.

We’ve all seen the commercials with older couples walking on the beach holding hands and bathing in side by side bathtubs. We’ve probably giggled at the warning of erections lasting longer than 8 hours. But we probably haven’t thought of the three million men dealing with this really tough issue. 

There are many reasons a man could be experiencing dysfunction down there, some physical and some emotional. If a man is having issues with ED, he should see his MD to rule out an underlying medical condition. This can include things like diabetes, low testosterone, heart disease, clogged blood vessels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, some neurological diseases.

Once his physical health has been addressed, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can be really helpful for a man having issues with pelvic floor dysfunction. Getting and maintaining an erection, as well as reaching orgasm and then ejaculating is actually a pretty complicated physiological process. 

Problems arise if the pelvic muscles are too weak, too tight or poorly coordinated. PT can help balance those muscles out. Other factors such as abdominal, hip and back alignment can help or hinder sexual function. PT can help the abdominal canister to coordinate better, getting the hips, back, belly and diaphragm to be a good system. Control over one’s mind/ body connection, with breathing techniques and guided imagery, can also be super helpful!

A PT is a medical professional that can also work hand in hand with your physician to make sure that all aspects of your issues are addressed to get you back in the saddle!

Perfectly Yours,

Dr. Mo

PS: Things won’t be as awkward as you think!