Experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can be frustrating, stressful, and confusing.

Many men are surprised to learn that erectile dysfunction (ED) is not always caused by age alone. While factors such as cardiovascular health, hormones, medications and stress can contribute, the pelvic floor muscles may also play an important role in erectile function. At Atlas Physiotherapy, we provide specialist male pelvic health physiotherapy to assess whether pelvic floor dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualised treatment plan.

Erectile dysfunction explained

Many men wait months or years before seeking advice, often assuming nothing can be done. In reality, understanding the factors contributing to erectile dysfunction is often the first step toward improvement.

At Atlas Physiotherapy, consultations are confidential, respectful and focused on helping you understand your body and your available treatment options.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can occur for many reasons, including:

Cardiovascular Factors

Healthy blood flow is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. Conditions affecting blood vessels may contribute to erectile difficulties.

Hormonal Factors

Changes in hormone levels may influence libido and sexual function.

Neurological Factors

Nerves play a critical role in sexual function and communication between the brain and body.

Stress and Psychological Factors

Stress, anxiety, poor sleep and relationship concerns can all influence erectile performance.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

For some men, the pelvic floor muscles may be:

•Weak

•Overactive

•Poorly coordinated

•Unable to provide adequate support during sexual activity

The pelvic floor muscles contribute to erection quality and help support blood retention within the penis during erection. When these muscles are not functioning optimally, erectile difficulties may occur.

Why Choose Atlas Physiotherapy?

•One of Sydney's few male physiotherapists with specialist training in male pelvic health

•Nearly 20 years of physiotherapy experience

•Individualised treatment plans

•Evidence-based care

•Close collaboration with your healthcare team

•Confidential and professional consultations

•Convenient Leichhardt location servicing Sydney's Inner West

Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Surgery

Erectile dysfunction is common following radical prostatectomy, robotic prostatectomy and other prostate cancer treatments. Recovery of erectile function may take time as surrounding tissues and nerves heal.

Physiotherapy may form part of a broader rehabilitation plan by helping to:

•Optimise pelvic floor function

•Support return to physical activity

•Improve confidence

•Address associated bladder control issues

•Work alongside your treating urologist and medical team

If you've recently undergone prostate surgery, we can help guide you through the rehabilitation process and recovery expectations. Click the link to find out more:

What Happens During Your Assessment?

Your initial consultation includes a detailed discussion of:

•Your symptoms

•Medical history

•Lifestyle factors

•Goals and concerns

•Previous treatments

Where appropriate, assessment may also include:

•Pelvic floor muscle assessment

•Strength and endurance testing

•Coordination assessment

•Education regarding contributing factors

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual.

How Physiotherapy May Help

Depending on your assessment findings, treatment may include:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Targeted strengthening when muscle support is insufficient.

Pelvic Floor Relaxation

Strategies to reduce excessive pelvic floor tension where overactivity is present.

Coordination Retraining

Improving timing and control of pelvic floor muscle activity.

Exercise and Lifestyle Advice

General physical activity, strength training and lifestyle modification may support overall pelvic health.

How the Pelvic Floor Affects Erections

The pelvic floor muscles form a supportive sling at the base of the pelvis.

These muscles help:

•Support erectile rigidity

•Assist blood retention during erection

•Contribute to sexual function

•Coordinate with other muscles involved in arousal and performance

Research suggests that targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation may help improve erectile function in selected patients where pelvic floor dysfunction is a contributing factor.

Signs Pelvic Floor Dysfunction May Be Contributing

You may benefit from pelvic floor assessment if you experience:

•Difficulty maintaining erections

•Reduced erectile firmness

•Erectile dysfunction following prostate surgery

•Pelvic discomfort or tension

•Urinary leakage

•Urinary urgency or frequency

•Other pelvic floor symptoms alongside erectile difficulties

A comprehensive assessment helps determine whether the pelvic floor is likely to be involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help erectile dysfunction?

Physiotherapy may help when pelvic floor dysfunction contributes to erectile difficulties. An assessment helps determine whether the pelvic floor is likely to play a role.

Is erectile dysfunction always caused by the pelvic floor?

No. Erectile dysfunction can result from vascular, hormonal, neurological, psychological and lifestyle factors, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction.

Can pelvic floor exercises improve erections?

For some men, improving pelvic floor strength, endurance and coordination may help improve erectile function.

Is erectile dysfunction common after prostate surgery?

Yes. Erectile difficulties are common following prostatectomy and can improve gradually over time as healing progresses.

Do I need a referral?

No. Most patients can book directly.

Is treatment confidential?

Absolutely. Men's health consultations are conducted in a professional, respectful and confidential environment.

Book an Erectile Dysfunction Physiotherapy Appointment

If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction and would like to understand whether pelvic floor dysfunction may be contributing, Atlas Physiotherapy can help.

Book online today or contact us to discuss whether an assessment is right for you.

Atlas Physiotherapy, Leichhardt. Serving patients from Leichhardt, Annandale, Camperdown, Newtown, Balmain, Petersham, Glebe and surrounding Inner West Sydney suburbs.