Erectile Dysfunction. Is Your Pelvic Floor Part of the Problem?
Derryn Pert • October 28, 2026
Having trouble getting or keeping an erection? You’re not alone, and it’s not always just about blood flow or hormones.
Your pelvic floor muscles play an important role in helping you achieve and maintain an erection. If these muscles are weak, too tight or not working together properly, they may be contributing to the problem.
The good news? Pelvic health physiotherapy may help improve how these muscles work and support better erectile function.
How does your pelvic floor affect erections?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis. They help support your bladder and bowel, but they also play a role in sexual function.
During an erection, these muscles help maintain firmness by supporting the mechanisms that keep blood in the penis. If your pelvic floor muscles aren't working as they should, you may find it harder to get or maintain an erection.
This can happen when the muscles are:
- Too weak: They may not contract effectively to help maintain an erection.
- Too tight: Constant tension can interfere with normal muscle function and relaxation.
- Poorly coordinated: The muscles may struggle to contract and relax at the right time.
It's important to remember that not all pelvic floor problems are caused by weakness. Sometimes, the muscles need to learn to relax rather than become stronger.
Could your pelvic floor be contributing to ED?
You might benefit from a pelvic floor assessment if you experience:
- Erections that become soft or don't last as long as you'd like.
- Difficulty maintaining an erection despite feeling aroused.
- Pain or tension around your pelvis, perineum or testicles.
- Urinary symptoms, such as urgency, frequency or difficulty emptying your bladder.
- Symptoms that seem worse when you're stressed or physically tense.
- Changes in erectile function following prostate surgery.
Erectile dysfunction can have several causes, including vascular, hormonal, medication-related and psychological factors. Your pelvic floor may be one piece of the puzzle.
How can pelvic health physiotherapy help?
A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess how your pelvic floor muscles are working and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Targeted exercises: To improve muscle strength, control and coordination when needed.
- Relaxation techniques: To help release tension if your pelvic floor muscles are overactive.
- Hands-on treatment: Where appropriate, to address muscle tension and discomfort.
- Breathing and movement strategies: To help your pelvic floor work more effectively with your breathing and core.
- Practical lifestyle advice: Including ways to manage activities or habits that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your physiotherapist can also work alongside your GP or urologist to address other factors contributing to erectile dysfunction. The aim isn't simply to strengthen your pelvic floor. It's to help your muscles work the way they should.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with erectile dysfunction?
It can. Research suggests that pelvic floor muscle training may improve erectile function in some men, particularly when muscle weakness or poor coordination is contributing. Results vary, and physiotherapy isn't the right solution for every cause of ED.
Can pelvic floor exercises make things worse?
If your pelvic floor muscles are already too tight, doing lots of strengthening exercises may increase tension or discomfort. That's why an assessment is important before starting a program.
How long does it take to see results?
Some men notice improvements within 6–12 weeks of consistent, appropriate treatment. However, progress varies depending on the cause of your symptoms and your individual circumstances.
Can I do pelvic floor exercises at home?
Yes, but it's helpful to know which muscles need attention and how to use them correctly. A physiotherapist can show you the right technique and whether strengthening, relaxation or a combination of both is best for you.
Should I still see my GP?
Absolutely. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying health issue, including cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Your GP can help investigate possible causes, and pelvic health physiotherapy may complement any medical treatment you need.
The Bottom Line
Erectile dysfunction isn't always just a blood-flow problem. Your pelvic floor muscles may also play a role in how well you achieve and maintain an erection.
Whether your muscles need strengthening, relaxing or better coordination, pelvic health physiotherapy may help.
You don't have to figure it out on your own.
Our pelvic health physiotherapists can help you understand what's happening, work out whether your pelvic floor is contributing, and develop a plan that suits your needs.
If you're experiencing ongoing erectile difficulties, speak with your GP and consider whether a pelvic floor assessment could be part of your next step.
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