Symptoms
- Consistently firm flaccid penis
- Erectile rigidity noticeably lacking
- Numbing or reduced sensation in the penis, especially at the tip
- Discomfort or aching in the penile area and below the pelvis when urinating or ejaculating, which gets worse upon standing
- Difficulty attaining or maintaining erections
- Sensation of contracted or tense pelvic floor muscles
- Considerable psychological turmoil including feelings of anxiety, depressive moods, waning libido, and insomnia
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.
Causes of Hard-flaccid Syndrome
- Possible occurrence after a traumatic event, such as using a penile vacuum or pump, rough masturbation or intercourse, manual over-stretching of the penis (jelqing), or excessive squatting.
- The injury to the base of the penis may affect the nerves or vessels that supply the penis and the pelvic floor muscles.
- The initial injury that causes emotional distress can overstimulate a part of the nervous system, resulting in pelvic floor muscle contraction.
- Prolonged pelvic floor muscle contractions can then compress surrounding nerves and vessels, leading to sensory changes like numbness or a cold sensation, as well as pelvic floor muscle tension and pain.
- The ongoing muscle contraction, necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection, can compromise the venous structures of the penis, resulting in a semi-erect penis when flaccid.
Diagnostic Challenges
Although not identified as a medical condition, Hard-flaccid Syndrome represents symptoms often talked about online due to their minimal coverage in medical studies, which has not led to a solid understanding of the term.
Furthermore, symptoms commonly associated with Hard-flaccid syndrome overlap with those of CPPS/Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis. While these conditions are well-understood, diagnosing them accurately and implementing effective treatment plans can be challenging. Additionally, many pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in treating women, but at PHRC in Walnut Creek, we offer comprehensive care for both men and women.
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 Walnut Creek can be beneficial. In the evaluation process, the therapist thoroughly discusses your medical background, symptoms, prior diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. Acknowledging your challenges, they conduct a comprehensive physical examination, evaluating muscles, tissues, nerves, joints, and movement patterns. Following the assessment, they provide a detailed review of their findings and develop a treatment plan with short- and long-term goals.
Standard physical therapy is scheduled once or twice weekly for a total of roughly three months. To maximize your therapy benefits in Walnut Creek, you’ll be given exercises to practice at home. Your physical therapist collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in your care to help you heal effectively. We’re here every step of the way to assist in your recovery and improve your quality of life!