Improving erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence with pelvic floor physical therapy may sound strange and complicated, but approximately 25% of men under 40 have issues with ED and are often unaware of the importance of strong pelvic floor muscles and how simple exercises from Dr. Tapscott 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, including:
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 simplest way to correct the problem of ED, but if you’re not into popping pills or if you want a more permanent solution to this issue, there are other options that you can discuss with our sexual health specialists.
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, these movements help to promote urinary continence in women along with improvements in sexual health and satisfaction.
There are similar benefits for men. The bulbocavernosus muscle controls the engorgement of blood during an 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. Begin by following through with these three steps:
- Stop your urine stream in the middle of urination.
- Clench and hold those muscles for 5 seconds and then release.
- Perform 10-20 repetitions.
Exploring Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Kegel exercises will help some, but a specialized urologist like Dr. Tapscott 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.
Almost 73% of men report an improvement in ED issues after working with a specialist to resolve many symptoms of urinary incontinence. Speak to Dr. Tapscott about any possible physical issues surrounding your ED issues, and ask for a professional recommendation on which type of treatment for erectile dysfunction she believes is best for you! To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tapscott, please call (704) 766-1147 today.