It turns out, one of the most overlooked muscles in your body could be the key to better sex, more confidence, and building a stronger connection with your partner – and most men don’t even know it exists. That's why, this Men’s Health Week, we’re focusing on your pelvic floor and helping you train for your best sex life.
...let alone that it plays such a crucial role in pleasure. It is a complex group of muscles stretching from your tailbone at the back to your pubic bone at the front, and it works hard every day to support your bladder, bowel and sexual function.1
Did you know that part of the pelvic floor surrounds the shaft of the penis? When you’re aroused, your brain signals blood vessels in the penis to relax, allowing blood to fill spongy tissue. Your pelvic floor muscles help manage blood flow by compressing the veins in the penis, trapping blood to create an erection.
If the pelvic floor muscles become too weak, they can’t hold blood in, leading to difficulty maintaining an erection. Alternatively, if they’re too tight, they may restrict blood flow in, which can also contribute to the problem.2
Roughly 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience erectile dysfunction, and 40% will be affected by the age of 40.3
If any of the symptoms below sound familiar, your pelvic floor could benefit from an MOT:*
If your pelvic floor is too weak or too tight, it doesn’t just affect sexual function. You might notice urine leaking during activities like running, jumping, or sneezing, or feel a sudden, urgent need to go. Some men experience leaking stool, difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowel, or needing to visit the toilet more often than usual.4
Pelvic floor exercises can be a game-changer for erections, and pelvic floor therapy has shown to improve overall control of ejaculation too.5
One way to engage the pelvic floor is to stand naked in front of a mirror and gently contract the muscles – you should see the base of the penis draw in and the testicles lift. A helpful cue is “lift the nuts to the guts.”2 If you don’t feel a clear squeeze and lift – don’t worry, many men struggle with finding the correct muscles using this method alone.
Empelvic is the award-winning medical device that's revolutionising how men train their pelvic floor muscles, offering a drug-free, non-invasive solution to support sexual performance. The travel-size cushion makes training easy and discreet, whether you prefer to fit 5 minutes of training in with your morning cuppa, or to make it a part of your usual workout regime.
The cushion uses targeted pressure to help guide you into the correct position to pinpoint and activate your pelvic floor muscles. A simple 5-minute workout a day, could help you train the deep muscles that support erectile function, bladder control, and overall pelvic health – right from the comfort of your home.
“Getting used to the Empelvic method, after a short period, I had my erection back”
Talking to your partner about the pelvic floor might not seem like the most effective kind of foreplay, but exercises can benefit both men and women. Strengthening these often-overlooked muscles can lead to enhanced sensation, increased orgasm intensity and improved intimacy for both of you.6 Starting the conversation now could be your first step towards a more connected and satisfying sex life. Chat to your partner and discuss your options with your GP to see what treatment could work best for you.
*These issues are not exclusive to the pelvic floor and can be linked to side effects of medication or other healthcare issues. If you have any concerns, it's important to seek advice from your GP.
