Erectile dysfunction is something that every man fears happening at some point in his life. In fact, it’s so common that, per Live Science, between 15 and 25 percent of 65-year-old men experience this problem. So it’s not surprising to hear that more and more men are doing what they can to try and combat the issue.

One of those things happens to be physical therapy, which, according to a Men’s Health article, is now becoming a very real option for guys. However, there’s still a stigma around guys going to physical therapy to help save their penis from erectile dysfunction.

What can help protect you from erectile dysfunction?

Not long ago, we wrote about this very issue, giving a number of different options for guys to try and protect themselves from erectile dysfunction. Some of those include things like kegel exercises to build muscles and stamina down there, monitoring testosterone levels and regular health and exercise, among other things. Unfortunately, these aren’t always effective for every man, and, when they fail, erectile dysfunction can lead to negativity and fear when it comes to sexual performance.

How can physical therapy be effective?

According to the aforementioned Men’s Health piece, who spoke with Doctor of Physical Therapy Dr. Erin Weber, PT, DPT, targeted physical therapy for erectile dysfunction can help a man strengthen and engage his ischiocavernosus muscle, which is responsible for building and keeping penile rigidity, with Dr. Weber adding that, “pelvic floor physical therapy can address the muscular and nerve function required to achieve and maintain an erection.” So, like any other muscle, the pelvic floor muscles can be addressed with rehabilitation.

What does physical therapy for erectile dysfunction look like?

A big focus of this type of physical therapy isn’t all about strengthening muscles down around the pelvic area, per Dr. Francesca Warner, PT, DPT, CSCS, a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Dr. Warner says that a lot of her work with patients for erectile dysfunction actually includes lots of breathing exercises, since the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles are connected.

Is physical therapy for erectile dysfunction right for me?

Since physical therapy for erectile dysfunction is still a new practice, many men are still exploring it as a real way to help combat the issue. But those men would be wrong in their thinking, and it’ll take a change in mindset to overcome those hurdles. That said, per Men’s Health, a pelvic floor exam by a physical therapist may involve both external and internal soft tissue, neurological, strength and range of motion assessments, so this treatment is something that more and more men should be open to exploring — just make sure you see a doctor who can perform a procedure accurately.

(H/T Men’s Health)