Physiotherapy Management for Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Original Editor - Eugenie Lamprecht Top Contributors - Eugenie Lamprecht, Rosie Swift, Admin, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton and Aminat Abolade

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is defined as a complication occurring in any phase of the sexual response cycle. The phases of the sexual response cycle include; desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution. Sexual dysfunction is extremely common among women and men, and effective treatment is available. However, few individuals seek help as many, even healthcare professionals, are often embarrassed and hesitant to discuss the topic.

Sexual dysfunction, although less common in men, still affects 31% of men and has a large impact on the quality of life as well as interpersonal relationships.

Sexual desire/interest, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain are the four main categories of sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction may include;

• Sexual desire dysfunctions (Sexual aversion disorder),
• Sexual arousal dysfunctions,
• Erectile dysfunction,
• Premature ejaculation,
• Anejaculation (inability to ejaculate),
• Orgasmic dysfunction,
• Priapism (persistent and painful erection of the penis, in the absence of sexual arousal)
• Peyronie’s disease (a bent, rather than straight, erect penis due to scar tissue).

Erectile dysfunction ( 5–20% of men) and premature ejaculation (20–30% of men) are the most common male sexual dysfunctions.

Risk Factors

• Psychological conditions (eg. Depression, anxiety and the medication used to treat these conditions)
• Medical conditions (eg. Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, urinary tract disorders, chronic illnesses)
• Substance abuse
• Increase with age
• Prostate cancer
• Surgical complications in the anatomical region
• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• Lumbar spine stenosis/ transient cauda equina compression

Anatomy and Physiology

Below is a brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic region. For detailed information on the anatomy the pelvic floor you can read more here

Bony Structures

Pelvic cavity;

• Sacrum & coccyx
• Left and Right innominate bones (ilium, ischium & pubis)
• Pectineal line
• Pubic crest

Musculature

The pelvic floor consists of 3 layers;

Most superficial layer

• Bulbospongiosus m.
• Ischiocavernosus m.
• Superficial transverse perineal m.
• External anal sphincter

The second layer (the urogenital diaphragm)

• Deep transverse perineal,
• Sphincter urethrae,
• Compressor urethrae

This layer mainly assists with urethral closure during raised intra-abdominal pressure & plays a role in stabilising the pelvis and lumbar joints.

The third layer (the pelvic diaphragm)

• Levator ani (Pubococcygeus & Ischiococcygeus)
• Iliococcygeus,

Contraction of the Levator ani muscles maintain anal continence when contracted and allow the evacuation of bowel when relaxed. It also supports the pelvic organs.

The obturator internus muscle does not form part of the pelvic floor muscles but still has an effect on the elevation of pelvic organs.

The pelvic floor muscles form a dome-shaped structure that encloses the pelvic cavity.

The functions of the pelvic floor muscles include;

1. Stabilising pelvic joints
2. Support internal pelvic organs
3. Voluntary contraction of urethral and anal sphincters
4. Regulate erection, emission and ejaculation
5. Controls continence (urinary & fecal)

Innervation

The innervation of pelvic floor muscles is from sympathetic, parasympathetic, and somatic nerve fibres.

Nerves that are mainly responsible for pelvic floor functioning;

1. Hypogastric nerve
2. Pudendal nerve
3. Levator ani nerve

Physiotherapy Management

Assessment

Individuals with these conditions generally get referred from specialists following screening for possible cancers and/ or urethral complications.

It's important to rule out any other sources that may refer to the pelvic floor area such as;

• • Lx spine & Neurodynamics
  • Hip
  • Breathing pattern
  • SIJ provocation tests
  • Abdominal palpation (assess Trigger Points in Rectus Abdominis, Internal Obliques, External Obliques, Transverse Abdominis)

Physiotherapists that have specialised in the pelvic floor can complete pelvic floor palpation and feel for trigger points in the puborectalis, obturator, and the coccygeus/ iliococcygeus/ iliococcygeus muscles.

Assessment should also include activation pattern, endurance, speed of contraction and questionnaires.

Treatment

Studies indicate that pelvic floor muscle training is effective in treating erectile dysfunction, ejaculation complications and chronic pelvic pain.

Common Complications and Relevance to Physiotherapy

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Literature has indicated that between 9-40% of men struggle with erectile dysfunction by age 40 and raises 10% each decade after 40.  Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to either obtain and/or maintain a rigid erection sufficient for penetration.

The muscles responsible for erection are; the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles. Strengthening the voluntary contraction of the ischiocavernosus muscle and relaxation techniques in cases of high pelvic floor muscle tone (spasms or increased tone may prevent adequate blood flow necessary for erection) have been proven to be an effective treatment.

Emphasis should be placed on isolation and activation of specific trunk and pelvic floor muscles. Home exercise programmes (HEP) should include pelvic floor strengthening exercises with different positioning and intensity.

Studies indicated that 47% of men with ED recovered completely, following a 4-12 month programme including pelvic floor exercise, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation.

Ejaculatory Dysfunction

During ejaculation contraction of the smooth muscles of the prostate gland and the bladder neck occur, as well as relaxation of the urethral sphincter.

The muscle responsible for ejaculation is the bulbospongiosus muscle. As premature ejaculation (PE) is among the most common sexual dysfunction cases in men, pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback and electrostimulation are proven to improve control and duration. It's important to include isometric pelvic floor contractions in supine and standing.

Behavioural changes are also beneficial and include; pre-intercourse masturbation, frequent sexual activity or stopping intercourse intermittently with sustained contraction/ internal squeeze.

Studies indicate that 61% of men with PE reported improvement in control of ejaculation following 15-20 sessions of the pelvic floor therapy.

Chronic Prostatitis/ Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic Prostatitis/ Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is defined as pelvic -, abdomen - and genital pain without symptoms of urinary tract infection. This most commonly occurs during or after ejaculation.

Motor control exercises emphasising on the relaxation of levator ani muscles (if the increased tone is present) and coordinated activation-deactivation exercises with biofeedback methods are an extremely beneficial treatment for men with Chronic Prostatitis/ Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

Soft tissue mobilisation, myofascial release and manipulation are also beneficial if the physiotherapist has undergone adequate and specialised training.

Urinary Incontinence

Sexual dysfunction is highly related to urinary dysfunction in men and women. Treatment techniques include voiding rehabilitation and bladder retraining - active pelvic floor muscle contractions to inhibit bladder contraction. This will prevent the detrusor urinae muscle contraction.

Other Treatment Techniques

If increased tone or spasms have been identified as the underlying problem after assessment the following techniques are indicated for the treatment;

• Myofascial release (for specialised pelvic floor therapists)
• Self-release education (for specialised pelvic floor therapists)
• Trigger Point therapy
• Global Therapeutic Massage

Education regarding behavioural changes includes; diet and weight management.

Cue's For Pelvic Floor Retraining

• 'Stop the flow'
• 'Shorten the penis'
• 'Lift the pelvic floor or scrotum'
• 'Prevent passing gas'
• 'Tighten around the anus'

Conclusion

Emphasis on pelvic floor rehabilitation is often associated with women, however, pelvic floor dysfunction is also common among men. Literature and studies indicate that pelvic floor rehabilitation and physiotherapy management can be effective in treating many conditions such as; erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, Chronic Prostatitis/ Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and urinary incontinence.