Symptoms

  • Continual semi-engorgement of the penis when flaccid
  • Noticeable decrease in the hardness of erections
  • Altered penile sensation, often as numbness or less sensitivity, particularly in the tip of the penis
  • Pain or discomfort in the penis and pelvic region during urination or ejaculation, typically more intense when standing
  • Challenges in achieving or maintaining an erection
  • Sensation of pelvic floor stiffness or muscle spasms
  • Significant mental and emotional distress manifesting as anxiousness, depressive states, reduced sexual interest, and sleeping problems
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Associated Diagnoses

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)/Male Pelvic Pain, Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis, Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome are all pain syndromes that may contribute to or in conjunction with Hard-flaccid Syndrome

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Causes of Hard-flaccid Syndrome

  • Hard-flaccid Syndrome might happen after hurting your penis, like through rough sex, misusing penis pumps, or exercise mistakes.
  • If the bottom of your penis is damaged, it can mess with the nerves or blood flow and affect muscles in your lower body.
  • Worrying about the injury can overly activate certain nerves, making your muscles in your pelvis tense up.
  • This tension can squeeze nerves and blood vessels, leading to less feeling, coldness, and pain in the pelvis area.
  • The tight muscles can keep the penis half-hard even when it should be soft.

Diagnostic Challenges

Despite not being officially recognized, the term Hard-flaccid Syndrome refers to a set of symptoms frequently discussed in online communities, with scarce information present in medical texts, leading to a general lack of understanding.

Furthermore, many of the symptoms experienced with Hard-flaccid syndrome mirror those seen in individuals with CPPS/Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis. Despite having clear definitions, these conditions present challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, many pelvic floor physical therapists primarily focus on treating women, but at PHRC in Berkeley, we provide tailored care for both men and women.

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How We Can Help You

Men experiencing Hard-flaccid Syndrome may benefit from an assessment with our pelvic floor physical therapist in Berkeley who specializes in pelvic pain. Throughout the evaluation, the therapist explores your medical history, symptoms, prior diagnoses, and treatment experiences. Understanding the difficulties you encounter, they conduct a comprehensive physical examination, assessing muscles, tissues, nerves, joints, and movement patterns. After completing the examination, they discuss their findings with you and develop a treatment plan with both short- and long-term objectives.

Most people have physical therapy sessions once or twice a week over a three-month period. Alongside these sessions in Berkeley, you’ll receive a personalized set of exercises to do at home. Your therapist will also work closely with your broader healthcare team to ensure a seamless recovery process. Our goal is to support you throughout your journey to wellness!