Symptoms
- Persistent semi-hard state of the penis
- Diminished firmness during erections
- Reduced sensitivity or a numb feeling in the penile glans
- Discomfort in the penile and pelvic area when urinating or ejaculating, often amplified when upright
- The occurrence of erectile dysfunction
- Feelings of tightness or involuntary contractions in the pelvic floor muscles
- Emotional and psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, decreased sexual desire, and sleep disturbances
Associated Diagnoses
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), Male Pelvic Pain, Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis, and Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome are all pain syndromes that may be related to or coexist with Hard-flaccid Syndrome.
Causes of Hard-flaccid Syndrome
- Potential triggers of Hard-flaccid Syndrome include mechanical trauma linked to improper penile device use, intense sexual activities or mishandling, or even certain physical exercises.
- Traumas at the penile base may result in functional impairments affecting both neurological and vascular components critical for pelvic floor musculature.
- Emotional responses to the physical injury might excessively stimulate sympathetic nervous activity, coercing the pelvic floor muscles into a state of chronic contraction.
- Persistent contraction not only exerts pressure on the local nerves and blood vessels, potentially leading to sensory deficits and pain but also potentiates issues related to pelvic stability and function.
- Such sustained muscular tension interferes with the normal erectile mechanism, often manifesting as a maintained semi-rigid state during what should be the penis’s relaxed phase.
Diagnostic Challenges
Hard-flaccid Syndrome, while not a formally diagnosed condition, is a term used to describe certain symptoms, largely discussed on the internet due to limited medical references, resulting in a lack of clear definition and comprehension.
Additionally, the symptoms commonly associated with Hard-flaccid syndrome are often reported by individuals suffering from CPPS/Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis. Although these conditions are well understood, diagnosing them accurately and devising effective treatment plans can be difficult. Moreover, many pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in treating women, but at PHRC in San Francisco, we offer comprehensive care for both men and women.
How We Can Help You
For men grappling with Hard-flaccid Syndrome, seeking an evaluation from a pelvic floor physical therapist specializing in pelvic pain in San Francisco can be beneficial. During the assessment, the therapist thoroughly discusses your medical background, symptoms, previous diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. Recognizing the challenges you face, they conduct a thorough physical examination, evaluating muscles, tissues, nerves, joints, and movement patterns. Subsequently, they review their findings with you and formulate a treatment plan that includes short- and long-term goals.
On average, physical therapy in San Francisco involves meeting with your therapist weekly or bi-weekly for about 12 weeks. To augment the healing process, you’ll be equipped with a custom home exercise regimen. Rest assured, your physical therapist is in constant collaboration with your other healthcare providers to optimize your recovery. We’re dedicated to helping you reclaim the joy of a healthy, active lifestyle!