Can Physical Therapy Help ED and Urinary Incontinence after Prostate surgery?

I get this question a lot—guess who asks it the most? My female patients! That’s right—once a woman starts seeing improvement in her urinary incontinence, she often becomes more interested in sex and in her partner. So, can pelvic floor therapy help with erectile function? Absolutely!

After prostate surgery, the pelvic floor muscles go through a lot. Swelling, pain, and surgical trauma leave them weak, uncoordinated, or overly tight. Since these muscles play a key role in controlling erections, as well as bladder and bowel function, getting them back in shape is crucial.

When pelvic floor muscles are too tight, they can restrict blood flow and put pressure on the nerves responsible for sensation. On the flip side, weak muscles struggle to support an erection and may lead to weaker orgasms or ejaculation. Either way, if these muscles aren’t working properly, things just aren’t going to feel or function the way they should.

That’s where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in. Through manual techniques, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications—including diet and activity adjustments—we help restore strength, coordination, and flexibility to these muscles. Techniques like connective tissue manipulation release restrictions in key areas like the abdominals, thighs, groin, and lower back, improving circulation and function. Strengthening and relaxation exercises help bring the pelvic floor back to optimal performance, supporting erections and improving urinary incontinence.

In short, if you’re struggling with erectile function and urinary incontinence post-surgery, pelvic floor therapy is worth considering. The sooner those muscles get back to work, the better!