Erectile dysfunction
A common, physical and very treatable problem — not simply “in your head”. There’s a great deal physiotherapy can do, before or alongside medication.
What it is
Erectile dysfunction is far more common than many men realise and can occur for a wide range of reasons. At Birmingham Men’s Health Physiotherapy, Gerard Greene understands that not all erectile dysfunction is the same. Whether your symptoms developed after prostate cancer treatment, alongside pelvic pain or Hard Flaccid Syndrome, or are related to vascular or other physical factors, every assessment begins by identifying the underlying cause.
Our aim is to help you understand why your symptoms have developed and create an individualised rehabilitation programme to give you the best possible chance of improving your erectile function and confidence.
You're in the right place if…
Erectile difficulties show up differently for different men. You’re in the right place if you notice any of these.
- Difficulty getting an erection when you want one
- Trouble maintaining an erection during sex
- Erections that are softer or less reliable than before
- Fewer or weaker morning erections
- Needing much more stimulation than you used to
- Reduced confidence or growing anxiety around sex
- Symptoms alongside pelvic pain, prostate treatment or a physical health condition
Why does it happen?
Most erectile dysfunction has a physical component. An erection depends on healthy blood flow, well-functioning pelvic floor muscles to trap that blood, and intact nerve signals — so problems with any of these (often linked to heart health, blood pressure, diabetes, prostate surgery, or a weakened or poorly coordinated pelvic floor) can affect erections.
Stress, anxiety and relationship pressures are frequently part of the picture too, but usually alongside a physical cause rather than instead of one. That’s why a proper assessment matters — it lets us treat what’s actually going on, and flag anything that’s better checked by your GP.
How we help
We begin with a thorough, respectful assessment, including how your pelvic floor is functioning — the muscles that play a direct role in achieving and maintaining an erection. Where it’s helpful, we may use objective measures so we’re tracking real progress, not guesswork.
Treatment can include targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation, lifestyle and vascular-health guidance, and — where appropriate — focused shockwave therapy, a non-invasive option for erectile dysfunction with a physical cause. We’ll always be honest about what’s likely to help, and about when to involve your GP or a specialist alongside us.
What your journey looks like
Many men are surprised how much can change with a structured, physical approach. Here’s what working with us looks like:
- An honest, private assessment. We look at the whole picture — physical health, pelvic floor and lifestyle — with no embarrassment and no judgement.
- A clear, realistic plan. We explain what’s driving things and set out the options, including when to combine care with your GP.
- Active treatment with progress you can see. Pelvic floor rehab and, where suitable, shockwave therapy — reviewed and adjusted as you improve.
The questions men actually ask
Isn’t ED just psychological?
Usually not. While stress and anxiety can contribute, the majority of cases involve a physical factor — blood flow, pelvic floor or nerves. That’s why a physical assessment and treatment approach can make a real difference.
Can physiotherapy really help erectile dysfunction?
Yes. The pelvic floor muscles are directly involved in erections, and pelvic floor rehabilitation is an evidence-based treatment for ED. For some men, focused shockwave therapy adds further benefit. We’ll tell you honestly whether you’re likely to respond.
Do I have to stop taking my ED medication?
No — physiotherapy works well alongside medication, and for some men it reduces how much they rely on it over time. We coordinate with your GP where needed; we don’t change prescriptions ourselves.
Is the assessment embarrassing?
We do this every day and treat it as the ordinary medical matter it is. It’s a private, one-to-one setting, and there’s nothing you can tell us that we haven’t heard before.
You don’t have to live with this
If any of the above sounds like you, the next step is simple. Ask us anything in confidence — no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Ask Gerard a question in confidence