Symptoms

  • A flaccid penis that remains in a semi-stiff condition
  • Reduced quality and strength of erections
  • Changes in the sensation of the penis, such as numbness or diminished sensitivity, especially in the penis head
  • Pain or unease in the lower genital and pelvic region when peeing or climaxing, likely to increase in a standing position
  • Experiencing difficulties with erectile function
  • Tension or involuntary muscle tightening in the pelvic floor area
  • Acute psychological discomfort resulting in anxiety, depression, low sex drive, and trouble sleeping
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Associated Diagnoses

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), Male Pelvic Pain, Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis, and Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome are all conditions characterized by pain that may be associated with or coexist alongside Hard-flaccid Syndrome.

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Causes of Hard-flaccid Syndrome

  • Incidences of Hard-flaccid Syndrome could arise from penile trauma, subsequent to the use of vacuum devices or pumps beyond their intended function, aggressive manual stimulation, or intensive physical workouts.
  • Injury incurred at the penile root may adversely impact the crucial nerves or circulatory channels that are instrumental to the operational integrity of the pelvic floor musculature.
  • Initial traumatic events can provoke a state of psychological distress, hyperactivating the autonomic nervous system and leading to involuntary, persistent contractions of the pelvic muscles.
  • The consequent chronic muscle contractions potentiate the compression of adjacent nerves and vessels, which can culminate in altered penile sensation, localized coldness, and musculoskeletal discomfort in the pelvic region.
  • The ongoing contraction of these particular muscles, vital for achieving and maintaining an erection, may compromise the penile venous framework, giving rise to a state of partial rigidity when the penis is expected to be in its flaccid condition.

Diagnostic Challenges

The phrase Hard-flaccid Syndrome encompasses symptoms that, although not medically classified, have been named through discussions on online platforms, where a significant gap exists in medical knowledge about the condition.

Moreover, many symptoms linked to Hard-flaccid syndrome are similar to those observed in individuals with CPPS/Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis. Despite having clear definitions, these conditions pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, pelvic floor physical therapists often focus on treating women, but at PHRC in Los Gatos, we provide specialized care for both men and women.

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How We Can Help You

If you’re dealing with Hard-flaccid Syndrome, consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist who specializes in pelvic pain in Los Gatos can offer relief. During the evaluation process, the therapist thoroughly discusses your medical history, symptoms, past diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. Recognizing the challenges you face, they conduct a detailed physical examination, assessing muscles, tissues, nerves, joints, and movement patterns. Following the examination, they provide a detailed review of their findings and develop a treatment plan with both short- and long-term goals.

Typically, patients attend physical therapy 1-2 times each week for 12 weeks in Los Gatos. To enhance the benefits of these sessions, a tailored exercise program for you to follow at home is provided. Your physical therapist plays an integral role in your multidisciplinary care team, ensuring your path to recovery is well-managed. We’re committed to guiding you back to your fullest potential!