Men could help erectile dysfunction by doing their pelvic floors, research suggests

Pelvic floor exercises could help men overcome erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), new research has revealed.

The benefits of pelvic floors for women have long been discussed, particularly in helping pregnant women lower their risk of incontinence.

But a new study, journal Physiotherapy, has now suggested pelvic floors exercises could also help men suffering from sexual issues.

In the first study of its kind, researchers analysed data from 650 men who used pelvic floor exercises to combat erectile and premature ejaculation.

The academic team, from James Cook University in Australia, found the exercises helped in 47 per cent of the patients with ED.

And for premature ejaculation, the results were even more impressive with 83 per cent admitted they worked.

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Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are extremely common conditions.

According to the NHS erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection.

Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, particularly in older men. It is estimated that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it to some degree.

Equally, premature ejaculation has been identified as impacting 30% of the general male population.

But despite the cause being a potential muscular dysfunction in the pelvic floor, treatment has traditionally consisted of lifestyle changes and drugs.

Now, however, research has indicated that simple pelvic floor exercises could be effective in the management of male sexual dysfunctions.

The pelvic floor muscles can be identified by stopping urination midstream, or by drawing the testicles upwards.

Men could then tighten and hold these muscles periodically throughout the day to build strength and control.

Chris Myers, study co-author, explained that weak pelvic floor muscles “may directly impact erectile strength and the ejaculatory process.”

Commenting on the findings he said: "Society seems to look for a quick fix. It's like any form of exercise - if there is a pill or a magic potion, a lot of people will take that option.”

Though further trials are needed to confirm that pelvic floor exercises are effective in treating sexual dysfunction, it could give male sufferers another option.

"Pelvic floor exercises to prevent ED and PE are a non-invasive and a cheaper option than traditional methods."

According to Mr Rick Viney, consultant urologist at BMI The Priory Hospital in Birmingham the physiology of the male erection is complex.

“It requires a healthy blood and nerve supply as well as a healthy libido driven by testosterone,” he explains. “When erections fail there are a multitude of possible causes, often more than one at the same time. If you are struggling to get it up, you’re not alone. 40% of men over the age of 40 complain of some erectile problems.”

Mr Viney explains that in recent times we have become more aware of the role of the pelvic floor in the erectile process.

“As such, there has been some trials work looking at whether pelvic floor exercises (PFE) can help erectile dysfunction,” he explains. “Five of the six clinic trials undertaken have demonstrated significant improvement in erectile function in the subjects. As such, PFEs are definitely worth undertaking as part of improving a one’s erectile function.”

But Mr Viney recommends that if a man is having difficulties with his erections it is vital he sees his doctor.

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In other penis news, new research has revealed that men who live on polluted main or busy roads could be at risk of erectile dysfunction.

The research, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, linked higher exposure to pollution with erectile dysfunction – which is understood by the NHS as struggling to get or maintain an erection.

A further study linked the size of men’s penises to the chemicals used in non-stick frying pans.

A new study has found that chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs), are having a surprising impact on men’s penises and potentially making them smaller.

The chemicals, called perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs), are found in a number of everyday items, including the non-stick coat on cookware, fast food packaging and medicines.

Researchers, from the University of Padua, revealed that PFCs could be harming hormone signalling, which in turn could lead to ‘significantly’ smaller penises and less mobile sperm.

Men are also being warned about the dangers of ‘penis fillers’ because of the risk of complications.

The procedure is thought to be becoming more popular among men concerned about the size of their manhood.