Pelvi-perineal rehabilitation for dysfunctioning erections. A clinical and anatomo-physiologic study.

We have studied penile structure in 24 cadaver specimens and 155 patients have been treated for organic impotence by physiotherapy. Special attention has been focused on the closure mechanism of the corpora cavernosa during erection. We have found that the leakage factor of the corpora cavernosa is, among other things, influenced by the ischiocavernous muscles. Based on the above, we propose a model for the anatomic and physiologic basis of interference of the ischiocavernous muscles in venous occlusion during penile erection. Moreover we suggest that patients with erectile dysfunction should undergo pelvi-perineal rehabilitation in order to strengthen and control ischiocavernous muscles.