Below, we will explore the additional complications associated with hard flaccid, along with potential causes and treatment options.
Potential causes of hard flaccid
To be clear, hard flaccid (HF) is a symptom and not a thing unto itself. It's believed that the primary contributor to chronic hard flaccid (HF) is a strain of the pelvic floor, particularly the Ischiocavernosus muscle (as shown in the image above). A pelvic floor strain may arise from a combination of a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of lower body flexibility.
Other factors which can exacerbate HF or (in cases where strain is absent) may lead to temporary HF are anxiety and stimulant use.
Urinary tract infections or direct trauma to the penis or pelvis may also cause HF.
Coincidental symptoms associated with HF
In mild cases, HF is intermittent and may only result in the penis being in a partial HF state. This usually manifests itself with the near-erect penis having an hourglass shape (contracted in the middle). In severe HF, the penis turtles into a hypercontracted state with the feel described as similar to hard rubber.
Additional symptoms associated with HF are as follows:
‧ Perineal pain
‧ Pain during ejaculation
‧ Anxiety (as a cause or effect of HF)
‧ Lowered libido
Treatments for HF
While there's a lot one can and should do on their own to manage HF, it’s recommended to seek the services of a medical professional for persistent or severe chronic HF.
Knowing the cause of your HF will go a long way towards treating it. If the HF is dues to stimulant-type drugs, then ceasing their use (or changing prescriptions) may lead to a reversal of effects.
If the cause is related to pelvic floor strain, then localized massage and regular stretching will be helpful.
The Asian Squat is a very good exercise for preventing HF and for maximizing lower body/pelvic floor flexibility. Its name is due to the fact that in many Asian countries it's common to rest in this position instead of using chairs.
The exercise is performed as follows:
With your feet flat on the floor, attempt to relax into a deep squat position. If you're new to this exercise and/or suffer from lower body inflexibility, you might need to perform this exercise with your heels raised or under a block, and with some form of support- like a low wall, bench, or pole.
You may only be able to stay in this state without too much discomfort for only 15-30 seconds. If so, attempt to add just a few seconds per session to force progress. You may eventually work up to 5 minutes (or more) of staying in this position.
As you perform the exercise, you should feel and experience a lengthening/loosening of the muscles of your lower body. You should continue to sink deeper in the seated position, and as you gain proficiency, you'll be able to rest in this position without support.
Applied heat and even Shockwave therapy may also be helpful to speed healing.
Anxiety in and of itself can cause and worsen HF. Getting to the root of your anxiety will be vital, but you can and should perform regular deep breathing exercises while relaxing the body and resting the mind to allow unwanted feelings to dissipate. Practiced regularly, this can be instrumental to reducing anxiety and for improving mental health.
Modified by Uwe Gille, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
