Symptoms
- Common Signs: Persistent semi-erection in resting state.
- Rigidity Loss: A common decrease in erection strength is experienced.
- Sensory Alterations: Altered sensations in the genital area, with some describing numbness or reduced sensitivity, particularly at the head of the penis.
- Urination and Ejaculation Discomfort: Painful sensations felt in the penile region and around the pelvis when peeing or ejaculating, worsening in an upright position.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Cases of erectile dysfunction are not uncommon.
- Pelvic Floor Issues: Some report a sense of ongoing tension or involuntary muscle contractions in the pelvic area.
- Mental Health Concerns: Widespread reports of emotional distress, including feelings of worry, depression, loss of interest in sex, and trouble sleeping.
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
Causes of Hard-flaccid Syndrome
- Trauma from penile devices, rough sexual activity, or excessive penis stretching.
- Injury to the penis base affecting nerves and vessels supplying the penis and pelvic floor muscles.
- Emotional distress triggering pelvic floor muscle contraction.
- Prolonged muscle contractions compressing nearby nerves and vessels, causing sensory changes and pelvic tension.
- Persistent muscle contraction impacting penile venous structures, leading to semi-erectness in the flaccid state.
Diagnostic Challenges
People often talk about “Hard-flaccid Syndrome” on web forums, even though doctors don’t officially recognize it yet. The term refers to a bunch of symptoms that aren’t well explained because there’s hardly any research out there on them.
Furthermore, symptoms of Hard-flaccid syndrome often overlap with those of CPPS/Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis. While these conditions have clear definitions, they pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, many pelvic floor therapists specialize in treating women, but at PHRC in Pasadena, we cater to both men and women.
How We Can Help You
Men suffering from Hard-flaccid Syndrome can find relief through evaluation by a pelvic floor physical therapist in Pasadena. During the assessment, your therapist will review your medical history, symptoms, past diagnoses, and treatment experiences. We empathize with your frustration and aim to provide understanding and support. The physical examination includes an assessment of muscles, tissues, nerves, and movement patterns. Following the assessment, the therapist discusses their findings and collaborates with you to develop short and long-term treatment goals. Typically, therapy sessions occur one to two times per week for approximately 12 weeks. This is supplemented by a personalized home exercise plan. We work alongside your treatment team to facilitate your recovery journey in Pasadena.