A Practical Toolkit for Men’s Pelvic & Sexual Health

Despite female pelvic health becoming a more central topic with broadly discussed tools such as dilators and pelvic weights, men’s pelvic health is still often overlooked. Pelvic floor issues in men can lead to a variety of symptoms, including sexual dysfunction, which can in turn impact mental health and self-esteem. At Floravi, we are committed to improving sexual health, and therefore overall well-being, for all through education and accessible solutions. 

Sensitivity and endurance

Premature ejaculation is the leading male sexual dysfunction affecting 1/3 men at some point in their lives. This symptom can be linked to a variety of mental and physical causes — performance anxiety, nervous system hypersensitivity, cognitive distortions — including weak or overly tense pelvic floor muscles. Consulting pelvic floor physiotherapists is a great step towards a long-term solution; however, in the meantime, there are a variety of tools which can help prolong ejaculation latency.

Firstly, benzocaine-based desensitising sprays can be used to bring temporary numbing to male genitals allowing for a more controlled and longer-lasting experience. The use of this spray can help decrease the anxiety component allowing for a more present and connected experience.

The use of a masturbator, a flexible sleeve which should be paired with lubricant, can help train the body to last longer in the face of consistent stimulation. This pleasurable tool helps increase endurance in a low-pressure environment and supports getting in touch with your sensations and signals.

To build sexual stamina, there is a protocol often called “Edging” or the “Start-Stop” technique:

1. Stimulate until you reach a 7/10 on the arousal scale, 10 being the point of no return. Stop stimulation immediately and let your arousal subside to a 3 or 4
2. Focus on diaphragmatic breathing to calm the sympathetic nervous system which is often driving the urge to ejaculate
3. Repeat for 3 stop-start cycles before allowing yourself to finish. Over time, this retrains the brain-body connection to tolerate higher levels of pleasure without an immediate ejaculatory response

Erection and blood flow

Another common issue linked to the pelvic floor is erectile dysfunction. Indeed, weak pelvic floor muscles can negatively impact the body’s ability to manage blood flow to the genitals and to trap blood in the penis. The penile veins may lack compression if muscles are too weak allowing blood to flow out at a higher rate and therefore leading to decreased rigidity or difficulty attaining an erection.  On the other hand, an overactive pelvic floor might also impact erectile function by putting too much pressure – constriction – on the arteries supplying blood. Once again, in the face of any type of sexual dysfunction which might be linked to the pelvic floor, consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist for long-term, tailored solutions. Tools also exist to support a positive experience throughout this process.

Penis rings, also known as constriction rings, are bands which can be placed at the base of an erect penis to help trap the blood. They help with erection maintenance and firmness. Many types exist on the market including: the adjustable ring (for those who want a more personalized fit), the classic trio (three sizes in one) and the vibrating ring (useful while also enhancing pleasure for both partners).

Important note: Do not wear a penis ring for more than 20-30 minutes at a time!

Lifestyle Factors: Sitting and Stress

Pelvic health doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it is deeply influenced by our daily habits. Two major culprits for male pelvic dysfunction are chronic stress and sedentary lifestyles. Indeed, when stressed, we have a tendency to unconsciously clench our muscles leading to fatigue, weakness and pain. Furthermore, sitting all day puts downward pressure on these muscles causing them to weaken and, through time, atrophy.

Conclusion

Although rarely talked about, male pelvic issues are real as are their repercussions. The tools we discussed are a great starting point to take agency over your own health journey. We strongly encourage you to be open with your partner as well as professionals if you are experiencing any symptoms; they are important and ignoring them won’t make the issue go away. Health is not just the absence of pain; it is the alignment of mind and body allowing for pleasure, confidence and well-being.

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Floravi is a Canadian company dedicated to sexual health and wellness. We bridge the gap between pleasure and care, offering body-safe tools designed to support your intimate and pelvic health journey.

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003840/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1324914/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27872005/