Pelvic Floor Exercises for Erectile Dysfunction After 65: What Works Best

As men age, erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more common. While medications and devices can help, strengthening the pelvic floor—especially through kegel exercises—offers a safe, non-pharmacological approach that targets the muscles directly involved in erection. This guide explains what pelvic floor (PF) muscles do, summarizes key clinical evidence, and provides step-by-step instructions to get you started.

Why Pelvic Floor Muscles Matter for Erection

Erections depend on healthy blood flow and proper muscle control. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that:

• Support bladder and bowel function
• Surround the base of the penis
• Help maintain blood in the erectile chambers

When these muscles weaken—due to aging, surgery (for example, radical prostatectomy), or inactivity—it can be harder to achieve or sustain an erection.

What the Research Shows

Several randomized trials have explored pelvic floor muscle training in men with ED:

• Filocamo et al. (2005, European Urology) studied men after radical prostatectomy.
  • Those who performed supervised pelvic floor muscle training regained urinary control faster and reported improved erectile function at six and 12 months vs. controls.
• Dorey et al. (2004, BJU International) evaluated pelvic floor muscle exercises as a primary treatment for ED.
  • Men who completed a supervised exercise program saw significant improvement in erection firmness and frequency compared with a non-exercise group.

These findings demonstrate that consistent pelvic floor training can strengthen the muscles involved in erection and improve sexual function—especially in men over 65.

How to Do Kegel Exercises for Erectile Dysfunction

“Kegel exercises” are simple muscle contractions you can do anywhere. Follow these steps:

1. Identify your pelvic floor muscles
   • While urinating, try to stop the flow midstream. The muscles used are your pelvic floor. (Perform this identification only once.)
2. Assume a comfortable position
   • Lie on your back with knees bent, sit in a chair with feet flat, or stand.
3. Contract and lift
   • Tighten the pelvic floor muscles as if you’re lifting something internally.
   • Hold the contraction for 3–5 seconds, breathing normally.
4. Relax fully
   • Let the muscles release for 5–10 seconds before the next contraction.
5. Repeat
   • Aim for 10–15 repetitions per set. Do three sets daily.

Tips for Effective Kegel Exercises

• Focus only on pelvic floor muscles—avoid tightening buttocks, thighs, or abdomen.
• Breathe freely; don’t hold your breath or strain.
• Build gradually: start with shorter holds if you can’t manage 5 seconds yet.
• Track your progress in a journal or app to stay motivated.

Advanced Pelvic Floor Training

Once you’ve mastered basic kegel exercises for erectile dysfunction, consider these options to enhance results:

• Biofeedback
  • Uses visual or auditory signals to confirm you’re engaging the correct muscles.
• Electrical stimulation
  • A mild, external device stimulates pelvic floor contractions, ideal if you struggle to isolate the muscles.
• Specialist-led physiotherapy
  • A trained pelvic health physiotherapist can tailor exercises and monitor progress.
• Weighted vaginal cones (for women) or perineal weights (adapted devices)
  • Although more common in women’s health, some men find gentle perineal resistance helpful under professional guidance.

Lifestyle Factors That Support Pelvic Floor Health

Strengthening your pelvic floor is just one piece of the puzzle. To maximize benefits:

• Maintain a healthy weight
  • Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, straining the pelvic floor.
• Stay active
  • Regular aerobic exercise (walking, swimming) enhances circulation and overall muscle tone.
• Eat a balanced diet
  • Rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats to support vascular health.
• Limit alcohol and tobacco
  • Both impair blood flow and nerve function.
• Manage stress
  • High stress can lead to muscle tension and poorer sexual performance.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If ED persists despite diligent pelvic floor training, or if you experience sudden concerns—painful erections, blood in urine, or severe vessel/nerve pain—don’t wait. Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease or neurological issues. You may also consider a free, online symptom check for erectile dysfunction to understand your risk factors and decide on next steps.

Key Takeaways

• Kegel exercises for erectile dysfunction target the pelvic floor muscles that support erections.
• Clinical trials (Filocamo et al., 2005; Dorey et al., 2004) demonstrate significant improvements in ED with regular supervised training.
• Basic kegels: identify, contract for 3–5 seconds, relax for 5–10 seconds, 10–15 reps, three times daily.
• Advanced options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and specialist physiotherapy.
• Combine exercise with lifestyle changes—weight control, healthy diet, stress management—for best results.

Pelvic floor muscle training is a safe, low-cost, and non-invasive approach that can significantly improve erectile function in men over 65. Results take time—consistency and proper technique matter most. If you have any life-threatening or serious symptoms, please speak to a doctor right away.