Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a challenging condition, but incorporating pelvic floor exercises into your routine might offer significant benefits. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we recognize the value of addressing ED through various approaches, including lifestyle changes like pelvic floor exercises. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support your pelvic organs, including those involved in achieving and maintaining an erection.
By targeting these muscles, you can improve blood flow, enhance muscle control, and potentially regain sexual function. This article explores how pelvic floor exercises can help with ED and provides practical exercises you can try.
How do pelvic floor exercises improve erectile dysfunction
Strengthening the pelvic muscles
Pelvic floor exercises, often referred to as Kegel exercises, strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and sexual organs. By improving the strength and endurance of these muscles, you can enhance their ability to support the structures involved in achieving an erection. Stronger pelvic muscles can lead to better control and firmer erections.
Improving blood flow
The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in controlling blood flow to the penis. When these muscles are weak, blood flow can be restricted, making it harder to achieve or maintain an erection. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through targeted exercises can help improve blood circulation in the pelvic region, which may lead to better erectile function.
Enhancing muscle control
One of the key benefits of pelvic floor exercises is improved muscle control. By practicing these exercises, you can gain better control over the muscles responsible for the erectile process. Enhanced control can help you manage and sustain an erection more effectively, which is particularly beneficial if you experience difficulty in this area.
Try these pelvic floor exercises to improve erectile dysfunction…
Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are perhaps the most well-known pelvic floor exercises. To perform a Kegel, tighten the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for a few seconds, then release. Aim to repeat this exercise several times a day.
Bridge exercise
The bridge involves lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips towards the ceiling while tightening your pelvic floor. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your hips back down. This helps strengthen the pelvic floor.
Squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then lower your body into a squat position while keeping your back straight. As you rise back up, tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Squats can help improve muscle streng