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Clinical Question: Is pelvic floor exercises effective
to restore erectile function in men?
Bottom Line: Study suggests that pelvic floor exercises
should be considered as a first-line approach for men seeking long-term
resolution of their erectile dysfunction.
Reference: Pelvic floor exercises for erectile
dysfunction.Dorey G, Speakman MJ, Feneley RC, Swinkels A, Dunn CD.BJU Int.
2005 Sep;96(4):595-7.
Study Design: Randomized Controlled Study with cross-over
arm
Synopsis: The role of pelvic floor exercises was eamined as
a way of restoring erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. 55
men aged > 20 years who had experienced erectile dysfunction for > or = 6
months were recruited for a randomized controlled study with a cross-over
arm. The men were treated with either pelvic floor muscle exercises (taught
by a physiotherapist) with biofeedback and lifestyle changes (intervention
group) or they were advised on lifestyle changes only (control group).
Control patients who did not respond after 3 months were treated with the
intervention. All men were given home exercises for a further 3 months.
Outcomes were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF),
anal pressure measurements and independent (blinded) assessments. After 3
months, the erectile function of men in the intervention group was
significantly better than in the control group (P < 0.001). Control patients
who were given the intervention also significantly improved 3 months later
(P < 0.001). After 6 months, blind assessment showed that 40% of men had
regained normal erectile function, 35.5% improved but 24.5% failed to
improve.
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