The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder and bowel and controls the flow of urine. It is less widely known that two of these muscles, located at the base of the penis, take part in every erection.
How the pelvic floor contributes to an erection
During an erection, the penis fills with blood, and the outflow of blood through the veins is restricted. When the muscles at the base of the penis contract, they compress the tissue from outside and raise the pressure within it. This contributes to the difference between a full erection and a rigid one.
The evidence from controlled trials
In a randomized controlled trial, 55 men who had experienced erectile dysfunction for at least six months were taught pelvic floor muscle exercises by a physiotherapist, with biofeedback and lifestyle advice, or received lifestyle advice alone. After three months, erectile function in the training group was significantly better than in the control group. Men in the control group who then received the training also improved.1,2
After six months, an assessor who did not know which group each man belonged to found that 40% of the men had regained normal erectile function and a further 34.5% had improved.1 The authors concluded that pelvic floor exercises should be considered as a first-line approach for men seeking a long-term resolution.2
A later systematic review found pelvic floor muscle training to be effective for erectile dysfunction, while noting that no single training protocol has been agreed.3
Locating the muscles
The muscles can usually be identified by imagining stopping the flow of urine, or holding back wind. A correct contraction draws the base of the penis slightly inward and lifts the testicles, without tightening the buttocks, abdomen or thighs. In the Andro-Somatic Method, identification of the muscles precedes a daily training program.
References
- Dorey G et al. Randomised controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle exercises and manometric biofeedback for erectile dysfunction. Br J Gen Pract, 2004. Source
- Dorey G et al. Pelvic floor exercises for erectile dysfunction. BJU Int, 2005. Source
- Systematic review of pelvic floor muscle training for erectile dysfunction. Physiotherapy, 2019. Source
This article is educational and does not replace medical advice. Published by The Andro-Somatic Method.