Pelvic floor exercises for erectile dysfunction

Feneley, Roger C.L.; Dunn, Christopher D.R.; Speakman, Mark J.; Swinkels, Annette; Dorey, Grace

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of pelvic floor exercises as a way of restoring erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 55 men aged >20 years who had experienced erectile dysfunction for ≥6 months were recruited for a randomized controlled study with a cross-over arm. The men were treated with either pelvic floor muscle exercises (taught by a physiotherapist) with biofeedback and lifestyle changes (intervention group) or they were advised on lifestyle changes only (control group). Control patients who did not respond after 3 months were treated with the intervention. All men were given home exercises for a further 3 months. Outcomes were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), anal pressure measurements and independent (blinded) assessments. RESULTS: After 3 months, the erectile function of men in the intervention group was significantly better than in the control group (P < 0.001). Control patients who were given the intervention also significantly improved 3 months later (P < 0.001). After 6 months, blind assessment showed that 40% of men had regained normal erectile function, 35.5% improved but 24.5% failed to improve. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that pelvic floor exercises should be considered as a first-line approach for men seeking long-term resolution of their erectile dysfunction. © 2005 BJU International.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2005
• Journal: BJU International
• Print ISSN: 1464-4096
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-410X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 96
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 595-597
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05690.x
• Keywords: pelvic floor exercises, physiotherapy, erectile dysfunction, bulbocavernosus muscle, ischiocavernosus muscle
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1052742
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05690.x