Sexual dysfunctions are multifactorial and can be caused by a variety of physiological and biological factors like hormonal, neurological and vascular discrepancies.
Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent in men, increasing with age, and sexual function is regarded by many men as a vital and critical part of their overall health and wellness, moreover, male sexual dysfunction has been linked to reduced quality of life and negative interpersonal relationship.
Normal erectile function includes the ability to obtain an erection sufficiently rigid for penetration and maintain that erection long enough to complete satisfactory sexual intercourse. Medical causes of erectile dysfunction include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurological problems, hormonal insufficiencies (hypogonadism) and drug side effects. Psychological problems can also result in erectile dysfunction, especially feelings of inadequacy and performance anxiety.
Penile erection requires the presence of a pressurized and closed hydraulic system within the corpora cavernosa.
Contraction of the Ischiocavernosus muscles participates in the process of enhancing erectile rigidity by compressing the roots of the corpora cavernosa and inducing short term supra-systolic intra cavernously pressures.
The Bulbospongiosus muscle encircles 33-50% of the base of the penis and is responsible for:
• Preventing blood from escaping during an erection by exerting pressure on the deep dorsal vein
• Pumping action during ejaculation
• Emptying the bulbar urethra by reflex action after micturition
• Temporary engorgement of the glans of the penis and corpus spongiosum and this results in a similar short term increase in intra-spongiosal pressures.
Spasm of the pelvic floor muscles can provide extrinsic compression that restricts the lumen of the internal pudendal artery and thereby limits internal pudendal inflow. Reducing high pelvic floor muscle tone and eliminating chronic pain may help to facilitate the sustained corporal smooth muscle relaxation needed for development of the closed corporal compartment during erection.
Male pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to increase penile rigidity and hardness in some men with erectile dysfunction, potentially facilitating penetration during thrusting.
Use it or lose it: Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle if weakness is the reason. During pelvic floor retraining, pay attention to retract the penis and lift the scrotum with maximum contractions.