Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a mans inability to develop or sustain an erection that allows sexual activity with penetration. ED itself is not a disease, but a symptom of something else.

If you have ED, you might experience:

• Difficulty getting hard enough for penetration
• Difficulty maintaining an erection
• Losing your erection throughout intercourse
• Loss of confidence during sex

ED can occur following medical treament or surgery including Prostate Cancer Treatment. There are two common side effects of Prostate Cancer treatment:

• Urinary incontinence (affects 99% of all patients)
• Erectile Dysfunction (affects 68-99% of all patients)

The specific mechanism through which ED occurs following prostatectomy is not fully understood. It is thought to be due to damage to the penile nerves, vascular supply and smooth muscle.

Some other contributing factors of ED include age, weight, cardiovascular health, smoking, pelvic trauma, neurological conditions and some medications. There can also be pyschological issues such as problems with anxiety or depression. 

Many men have heard of other treatments for ED which include medications (Viagra and Cialis), injections, penis pumps/ vacuums and even penile implants. However pelvic floor muscles also play a very important role in getting and maintaining and erection. Many men don’t address this as well as lifestyle factors that may be contributing to ED.

In healthy men with ED, Pelvic floor exercises alone have been shown to also improve erectile function.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is taught using real-time ultrasound by our physiotherapists. This is so we can ensure you are using the right muscles and allows men to visualise the correct contraction of the pelvic floor for effective rehabilitation. High quality contractions are more likely to produce better outcomes and each program will be tailored to an individuals circumstances to assist them with getting back to normal life sooner.