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Pelvic floor exercises for erectile dysfunction
Author(s) -
Dorey Grace,
Speakman Mark J.,
Feneley Roger C.L.,
Swinkels Annette,
Dunn Christopher D.R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2005.05690.x
Subject(s) - erectile dysfunction , medicine , erectile function , pelvic floor muscle , pelvic floor , physical therapy , rehabilitation , intervention (counseling) , biofeedback , randomized controlled trial , urology , surgery , nursing
Associate Editor Michael G. Wyllie Editorial Board Ian Eardley, UK Jean Fourcroy, USA Sidney Glina, Brazil Julia Heiman, USA Chris McMahon, Australia Bob Millar, UK Alvaro Morales, Canada Michael Perelman, USA Marcel Waldinger, Netherlands 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.