Anyone notice discolouration of the glans with their hard flaccid, especially the bottom of the glans and has anyone seen any improvement.
The Official Hard Flaccid Recovery Thread
- Thread starter ronjohn812
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Yes i have my whole glans was pale white for months, is a bit improved now more color but not nearly as it used to be. Also My scrotum and penis skin has changed it's dry And thinner (scrotum used to be a bag Now it's thin And dry).
The muscular tension in the pelvic area is blocking the normal bloodflow. Getting rid of the tension Should restore normal bloodflow. But i'm finding it extremely difficult to get rid of the tension. I wish there was a good solution.
The muscular tension in the pelvic area is blocking the normal bloodflow. Getting rid of the tension Should restore normal bloodflow. But i'm finding it extremely difficult to get rid of the tension. I wish there was a good solution.
Tell me about it, although i can get some relief i haven't found a way to get instant relief and although sometimes it might be softer, its never like it was. I make a little progress and then the technique stops working and i have to find another way to relax it. In the meantime all my progress is lost.
my hard flaccid is gone though (maybe a little more turtling but it's generally pretty soft), but still have other symptoms.
The skin/bloodflow problems and the tight annoying (almost hurtfull) tension in my perineum area.
Just lying down And trying to relax the area helps temporarily a little bit but it doesn't get me rid of the tension.
The skin/bloodflow problems and the tight annoying (almost hurtfull) tension in my perineum area.
Just lying down And trying to relax the area helps temporarily a little bit but it doesn't get me rid of the tension.
For me, the discoloration returned, but not PMO for 1.5 months seemed to help. I started getting erections out of nowhere and I suddenly had a raging one during sex that required no manual stimulation, and the head filled up and became pink and stayed that way until a rough masturbation session to porn about 10 days later. Had heightened sensitivity too.
Also, try taking magnesium, that helps relax muscles, although is no real cure just alleviates symptoms
You need a PF therapist. I am in the process of healing and when I do what I am told I started having normal bowel movements again and I noticed that some morning wood is returning. For me, I can relax other PF muscles but my perineum/IC/BS is locked in place and does not relax, and neither does my tail bone. Look into a tail bone injury if you can feel yours permanently in the sitting position or contracted further as it has a direct relationship with the perineum.
"Heal Pelvic Pain" by Amy Stein is what I am currently reading although I have my own version of stretches.
For anyone new to stretching, start out like this
-Dynamic warmup, stretch
Then once the pelvic pain and all other symptoms start to disappear, you can start doing
-Dynamic warmup, workout, stretch
But make sure you follow suit with the workout in the book, I just as of 2 days ago tried working out too hard and my muscles got so locked up I was thrown backwards on the recovery path, spent 6 hours at the bottom of my shower with spasms so bad I couldn't find any position to where I could potentially sleep. This is a long process.
I really suggest the book. It shows how the PF can cause IBS, IBD, prudential neuralgia, and all those other lovely weird symptoms you get from having CPPS/Hypertonic pelvic floor/Hard flaccid.
Also, try taking magnesium, that helps relax muscles, although is no real cure just alleviates symptoms
You need a PF therapist. I am in the process of healing and when I do what I am told I started having normal bowel movements again and I noticed that some morning wood is returning. For me, I can relax other PF muscles but my perineum/IC/BS is locked in place and does not relax, and neither does my tail bone. Look into a tail bone injury if you can feel yours permanently in the sitting position or contracted further as it has a direct relationship with the perineum.
"Heal Pelvic Pain" by Amy Stein is what I am currently reading although I have my own version of stretches.
For anyone new to stretching, start out like this
-Dynamic warmup, stretch
Then once the pelvic pain and all other symptoms start to disappear, you can start doing
-Dynamic warmup, workout, stretch
But make sure you follow suit with the workout in the book, I just as of 2 days ago tried working out too hard and my muscles got so locked up I was thrown backwards on the recovery path, spent 6 hours at the bottom of my shower with spasms so bad I couldn't find any position to where I could potentially sleep. This is a long process.
I really suggest the book. It shows how the PF can cause IBS, IBD, prudential neuralgia, and all those other lovely weird symptoms you get from having CPPS/Hypertonic pelvic floor/Hard flaccid.
Hi guys.
I'm 90% sure I have HF too now. My symptoms have mainly been appearance and muscular based.
It's more of a firm flaccid, or dense even, rather than "hard".
Mainly only retracted when in the shower. Ejaculation at first was painful and I avoided it for weeks. If I do ejaculate my dick is like a popped balloon after an erection.
My erections feel really tight and constricted. I avoid masturbation. Have only ejaculated about 5 times since July
I wish I could get on Hardflaccid forum but I've had no luck there.
If you read my original thread, and forget about me panicking about thrombosed veins which I've now ruled out, you will probably find that all the symptoms relate to a possible hypertonic pelvic floor.
https://www.pegym.com/forums/penile-anomalies-injuries/76213-sore-main-vein.html
Still don't really have a diagnosis but a lot of the symptoms lead me to believe I have HF.
I've had the cramp/spasms around the anus too now, and it can be uncomfortable defecating sometimes...involuntary spasms etc.
Anyway, thought I'd say hi, n post.
Horrible awful thing to go through this, whatever it is.
I'm 90% sure I have HF too now. My symptoms have mainly been appearance and muscular based.
It's more of a firm flaccid, or dense even, rather than "hard".
Mainly only retracted when in the shower. Ejaculation at first was painful and I avoided it for weeks. If I do ejaculate my dick is like a popped balloon after an erection.
My erections feel really tight and constricted. I avoid masturbation. Have only ejaculated about 5 times since July
I wish I could get on Hardflaccid forum but I've had no luck there.
If you read my original thread, and forget about me panicking about thrombosed veins which I've now ruled out, you will probably find that all the symptoms relate to a possible hypertonic pelvic floor.
https://www.pegym.com/forums/penile-anomalies-injuries/76213-sore-main-vein.html
Still don't really have a diagnosis but a lot of the symptoms lead me to believe I have HF.
I've had the cramp/spasms around the anus too now, and it can be uncomfortable defecating sometimes...involuntary spasms etc.
Anyway, thought I'd say hi, n post.
Horrible awful thing to go through this, whatever it is.
Since I got this injury/condition, I've had a varicose vein appear on the upper left hand side running the length of my penis.
Any thoughts? Will this fade away in time?
Is it an indicator of something that needs further investigation?
Any thoughts? Will this fade away in time?
Is it an indicator of something that needs further investigation?
Varicose vein appears to be normal, if it is the large dorsal vein or other decently sized veins in your penis (most likely dorsal.)
What happens is the penis is cut short of a lot of blood(flow) and thus causes the spongy material to shrink and feel hard(ish), and when that happens the skin (being attached to the penis) shrinks as well. This does not collapse the vein, however, so it protrudes out, increasingly as the hard flaccid fluctuates towards its smaller sizes throughout the day.
As for the rectal spasms, those can get worse trust me. Do NOT do any heavy lifting, or body workouts, as those muscles are attached to all of your core muscles and support your internal organs. Doing this will work the pelvic floor regardless of how you work out (even running, pushups, sit-ups will further the severity of tightness). ANY straining will mess up that area (so when you attempt to defecate, just relax. No tightening, no pushing.) What you want to do to be able to function properly until you can get a proper PF therapist, is to:
1) Eat a lot of foods with good fiber in them. Beans, bananas, apples, avocado, pasta, brown rice, etc.
2) Drink at least 80oz of water daily, accompanied by electrolytes (salt, potassium, etc) because having low electrolytes can cause muscle spasms in itself, and you do not want a muscle thats already damaged like that spasming out
3) Sit on a tennis ball (between your perineum and the floor) for 1-5 minutes, twice a day. Do not let it become painful, as it is supposed to feel like stretching "pain" eventually (once you ease into the pressure), but you do not want actual pain as that can cause more issues
4) Twice a day: drop down into a squat. Find a comfortable angle, and relax. Breathe slowly deep down into your stomach 4-8 times (you can practice this breathing by crossing your arms over your rib cage while standing with your shoulders relaxed. Breathe by "pushing your stomach out" and make sure your chest doesn't expand and shoulders don't move), repeat 3 times.
5) If you want to get blood flow and good cardio, walk for 5 minutes to 60 every day (do this with caution, it is much better to under do something than over do it.) Moderately paced, not a walk you'd do with your friends, enough to get you to feel "the pump" in your muscles down there, but not an aggressive 30-year-old postpartum white suburban mom walk on the treadmill. Bonus points if doing these before squats, as any good stretch should be preceded by a warmup that induces blood flow.
-Do not over do any of these things. Be very careful, yet relax. You need to find an actual specialist, a pelvic floor doctor. Get biofeedback done. You will need a trained professional to set this straight. I am in the process right now.
What happens is the penis is cut short of a lot of blood(flow) and thus causes the spongy material to shrink and feel hard(ish), and when that happens the skin (being attached to the penis) shrinks as well. This does not collapse the vein, however, so it protrudes out, increasingly as the hard flaccid fluctuates towards its smaller sizes throughout the day.
As for the rectal spasms, those can get worse trust me. Do NOT do any heavy lifting, or body workouts, as those muscles are attached to all of your core muscles and support your internal organs. Doing this will work the pelvic floor regardless of how you work out (even running, pushups, sit-ups will further the severity of tightness). ANY straining will mess up that area (so when you attempt to defecate, just relax. No tightening, no pushing.) What you want to do to be able to function properly until you can get a proper PF therapist, is to:
1) Eat a lot of foods with good fiber in them. Beans, bananas, apples, avocado, pasta, brown rice, etc.
2) Drink at least 80oz of water daily, accompanied by electrolytes (salt, potassium, etc) because having low electrolytes can cause muscle spasms in itself, and you do not want a muscle thats already damaged like that spasming out
3) Sit on a tennis ball (between your perineum and the floor) for 1-5 minutes, twice a day. Do not let it become painful, as it is supposed to feel like stretching "pain" eventually (once you ease into the pressure), but you do not want actual pain as that can cause more issues
4) Twice a day: drop down into a squat. Find a comfortable angle, and relax. Breathe slowly deep down into your stomach 4-8 times (you can practice this breathing by crossing your arms over your rib cage while standing with your shoulders relaxed. Breathe by "pushing your stomach out" and make sure your chest doesn't expand and shoulders don't move), repeat 3 times.
5) If you want to get blood flow and good cardio, walk for 5 minutes to 60 every day (do this with caution, it is much better to under do something than over do it.) Moderately paced, not a walk you'd do with your friends, enough to get you to feel "the pump" in your muscles down there, but not an aggressive 30-year-old postpartum white suburban mom walk on the treadmill. Bonus points if doing these before squats, as any good stretch should be preceded by a warmup that induces blood flow.
-Do not over do any of these things. Be very careful, yet relax. You need to find an actual specialist, a pelvic floor doctor. Get biofeedback done. You will need a trained professional to set this straight. I am in the process right now.
If you injure yourself and don't be careful, those spasms can turn into a full lock up of that area for hours, which is only worsened by the fact your body will not have passed a stool and it will be like trying to stuff a hotdog through a cheerio.
If this happens: Find a comfortable position. Mine is usually child's pose, laying on my back with my knees up, or pacing around. Walking is usually not an option if it locks up severely enough. Do some slow breathing to calm your body. Hot baths definitely help if you have access.
If this happens: Find a comfortable position. Mine is usually child's pose, laying on my back with my knees up, or pacing around. Walking is usually not an option if it locks up severely enough. Do some slow breathing to calm your body. Hot baths definitely help if you have access.
Hello all,
I am new to the forum. Approximately 6 months ago, I started to notice a bit of a downward bend in my semi erect penis. Most prominantly just following ejaculation. I freaked out. My friend Jamie had called me a week prior to tell me he was just diagnosed with Peyronies. I did research and freaked out some more. Became obsessed with it. Went to see a uro who was quite weak in the area. Paid out of pocket for a fancy Park Ave specialist who had his PA examine me and later did an ultra sound. During the ultra sound, he only said I had no calcifications. I didn't think to ask him if he saw fibrosis, dumb move. He saw the slight downward bend in my erect penis (near the glans) and put me on traction and VED with Pentox. While I know that many HF sufferers have no bend while erect, is it possible that my case is so bad that this can happen? I found another (better) specialist in my insurance network and went to see him. He examined me and we talked. He stated he really didn't think I had Peyronies, but scheduled an ultrasound for later this month. Since then, I have continued to wear the FastSize and do VED daily. Being curious, I looked up misdiagnosed Peyronies and found the Hard Flaccid threads and info. This looked more like my case, particularly since the MD didn't think I had Peyronies. Wearing the traction device gave me some relief from the retraction and shrinkage, and generally looked healthier, but would return to shrunken if I missed a day. I noticed that my HF improved when laying down. This would not be the case with Peyronies. I do believe that I have HF, but will wait to see what the doctor says (if he knows about it). I have no lower abdominal pain, but can feel a tight chord like structure tensed in my perineum. Is it possible to have Pelvic floor issues and not feel pain? The feel of my penis is like needles are poking in, along with the same descriptions many of you state.
I tried to get the ebook on HF Unraveled, but it is presently unavailable, as is the site forum. For now, I will start Yoga floor exercises to stretch the pelvic floor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am new to the forum. Approximately 6 months ago, I started to notice a bit of a downward bend in my semi erect penis. Most prominantly just following ejaculation. I freaked out. My friend Jamie had called me a week prior to tell me he was just diagnosed with Peyronies. I did research and freaked out some more. Became obsessed with it. Went to see a uro who was quite weak in the area. Paid out of pocket for a fancy Park Ave specialist who had his PA examine me and later did an ultra sound. During the ultra sound, he only said I had no calcifications. I didn't think to ask him if he saw fibrosis, dumb move. He saw the slight downward bend in my erect penis (near the glans) and put me on traction and VED with Pentox. While I know that many HF sufferers have no bend while erect, is it possible that my case is so bad that this can happen? I found another (better) specialist in my insurance network and went to see him. He examined me and we talked. He stated he really didn't think I had Peyronies, but scheduled an ultrasound for later this month. Since then, I have continued to wear the FastSize and do VED daily. Being curious, I looked up misdiagnosed Peyronies and found the Hard Flaccid threads and info. This looked more like my case, particularly since the MD didn't think I had Peyronies. Wearing the traction device gave me some relief from the retraction and shrinkage, and generally looked healthier, but would return to shrunken if I missed a day. I noticed that my HF improved when laying down. This would not be the case with Peyronies. I do believe that I have HF, but will wait to see what the doctor says (if he knows about it). I have no lower abdominal pain, but can feel a tight chord like structure tensed in my perineum. Is it possible to have Pelvic floor issues and not feel pain? The feel of my penis is like needles are poking in, along with the same descriptions many of you state.
I tried to get the ebook on HF Unraveled, but it is presently unavailable, as is the site forum. For now, I will start Yoga floor exercises to stretch the pelvic floor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
is it possible that something can get dislocated/penile tissues can be dislodged between certain muscles after stretching too hard?
I first got my symptoms (rubbery feeling penis, considerably reduced ejaculation following jelqing) after stretching REALLY hard one day trying to achieve a 'lig pop' which sounded interesting, i failed of course, and instead now my PC muscles feel rock hard, my penis hangs marginally lower flaccid (erections not as big or hard though), and i have pain in my right testicle/groin area, where my right testicle looks and feels out of place. I'm thinking there's surely a little more to it than purely muscular spasm? my urologist didn't even look at it/care, he just shrugged and told me where to go before i could even finish describing my symptoms. I hope he get's a pay rise... but i was just wondering whether anyone knows the anatomy of the penis/scrotal/pelvic area and whether anything like this is feasible? it's tough to find in depth anatomy on google!
I think all your comments on stretching sound good though thanks guys, i'll definitely try them out.
I first got my symptoms (rubbery feeling penis, considerably reduced ejaculation following jelqing) after stretching REALLY hard one day trying to achieve a 'lig pop' which sounded interesting, i failed of course, and instead now my PC muscles feel rock hard, my penis hangs marginally lower flaccid (erections not as big or hard though), and i have pain in my right testicle/groin area, where my right testicle looks and feels out of place. I'm thinking there's surely a little more to it than purely muscular spasm? my urologist didn't even look at it/care, he just shrugged and told me where to go before i could even finish describing my symptoms. I hope he get's a pay rise... but i was just wondering whether anyone knows the anatomy of the penis/scrotal/pelvic area and whether anything like this is feasible? it's tough to find in depth anatomy on google!
I think all your comments on stretching sound good though thanks guys, i'll definitely try them out.
I have been too pelvic floor therapy for long periods and of time and still no relief from my issues ( a lot more going on then just pelvic floor problems for me) though didn't follow my PT's advice like I should have stupid me I know
though I have a quick question is it best to remove trigger points and then stretch or can both me done at the same time for best results I have read conflicting info on this?
and there is a poster on here named voodoo child who has claimed to heal his issue without trigger point therapy I believe
though I have a quick question is it best to remove trigger points and then stretch or can both me done at the same time for best results I have read conflicting info on this?
and there is a poster on here named voodoo child who has claimed to heal his issue without trigger point therapy I believe
TheHFthatcould -
Thanks for the info. No, I shan't be working out other than walking. I had a low back/hip-leg muscular imbalance anyway, so still trying to resolve that.
No I have separate varicose vein other than the dorsal vein. It's left of centre and very thin and dark.
Not heard another HF sufferer mention these, so quite worried.
I have not seen a PT yet. I've heard of some ppl being cured by stress relief centred approaches. I'm gonna look into these, as I am a bit of a caffeine fuelled stressball at the best of times.
Thanks for the info. No, I shan't be working out other than walking. I had a low back/hip-leg muscular imbalance anyway, so still trying to resolve that.
No I have separate varicose vein other than the dorsal vein. It's left of centre and very thin and dark.
Not heard another HF sufferer mention these, so quite worried.
I have not seen a PT yet. I've heard of some ppl being cured by stress relief centred approaches. I'm gonna look into these, as I am a bit of a caffeine fuelled stressball at the best of times.
I have them too, do not worry. Don't try to just cure it with the stress relief. It may take away your natural tendency to clench, but thats only a fraction of the battle. You will need internal releases inside your rectum, because once a muscle goes dysfunctional down there, it spreads like fire on hay.
Hip rotations and misalignments can actually start off the process of hard flaccid by tightening certain muscles and spreading the imbalances throughout the rest of the pelvic region
I have other veins that stick out sometimes when quite bad but thats just when your penis is so drained of blood from lack of flow down there. The muscles are so tight they will literally trap blood and it won't be able to move throughout that vein. It is reversible.
Trust me, most symptoms are common, and can be explained by a million different things. That area holds a ton of nerves, and supports everything. Supposedly this can even cause endometriosis like symptoms (maybe the actual thing in itself) in women because it can inflame every organ down there, causing the organ to act erratically. It can cause IBS, IBD, and a million other things. Some people pinch certain nerves like the prudential, getting prudential neuralgia, and getting burning in their penis, legs, tingling. There are a ton of different things that can be caused by this dysfunction and once again its like dominoes falling down, once one is it its hard to scramble to catch them all, so you attack whichever one that keeps causing the others to fall (I like to say don't attack the symptoms, attack the cause. We have a tendency in western medication to attack symptoms instead of the root of the evil with handfuls of pills).
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Shrinking Penis Recovery - Men's Health - MedHelp
I would not suggest messing with an alpha blocker because its going to cause further issues and when treating a muscular imbalance it is best to attack the sole problem itself. Using drugs or other treatments instead of attacking the problem would be comparable to having a shitty situation at home and using alcohol to deal with your depression; it's only going to cause further issues after some temporary relief.
Hip rotations and misalignments can actually start off the process of hard flaccid by tightening certain muscles and spreading the imbalances throughout the rest of the pelvic region
I have other veins that stick out sometimes when quite bad but thats just when your penis is so drained of blood from lack of flow down there. The muscles are so tight they will literally trap blood and it won't be able to move throughout that vein. It is reversible.
Trust me, most symptoms are common, and can be explained by a million different things. That area holds a ton of nerves, and supports everything. Supposedly this can even cause endometriosis like symptoms (maybe the actual thing in itself) in women because it can inflame every organ down there, causing the organ to act erratically. It can cause IBS, IBD, and a million other things. Some people pinch certain nerves like the prudential, getting prudential neuralgia, and getting burning in their penis, legs, tingling. There are a ton of different things that can be caused by this dysfunction and once again its like dominoes falling down, once one is it its hard to scramble to catch them all, so you attack whichever one that keeps causing the others to fall (I like to say don't attack the symptoms, attack the cause. We have a tendency in western medication to attack symptoms instead of the root of the evil with handfuls of pills).
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Shrinking Penis Recovery - Men's Health - MedHelp
I would not suggest messing with an alpha blocker because its going to cause further issues and when treating a muscular imbalance it is best to attack the sole problem itself. Using drugs or other treatments instead of attacking the problem would be comparable to having a shitty situation at home and using alcohol to deal with your depression; it's only going to cause further issues after some temporary relief.
Jonyoung, I have not cured it yet either but injuries take time and dedication. I suggest following what your PT says, and above all, "be a good patient". That means becoming in-tune with your body. Start to notice exactly where the pain radiates from, what triggers the rest of the spasms (as in the first muscle to start the spasm of a combination), what movements positions influence the dysfunction, and which symptoms you have to locate the issue. Remember, when you say "it hurts" to your doctor, that's literally the only information they get. They are your combat guide, your equipment, and your information hub, but you are the soldier.
This goes for all, at first the symptoms were pain around my pelvis throughout the years, almost definitely to do with extreme muscle imbalances from working out in a savage manner (seriously, we all grew up thinking we had to train like Goku to get results) when in reality slow and controlled and even with lots of rest is the best way. Especially necessary is a good stretching AFTER your workout. I cannot stress this enough, but stretching is key to maintaining an even, strong body.
Then at a point came the penis losing feeling then shrinking, then months later the IBS and intense muscle lock up and inability to defecate and start my stream, etc.
So by this I can conclude that the symptoms will disappear in the reverse order, (except my pain is going first, due to my flexibility increasing, and I have normal dumps again), and the last thing to return to normalcy will be my penis. I also notice that my perineum will not budge when "dropping" my pelvic floor, and nothing will except for the levator ani. Normal people can put their finger on their perineum, "drop" their pelvic floor (as in the feeling when trying to excrete urine or stool) and their perineum will expand like a frogs throat. I know mine used to, and now it only budges when kegeling.
This is most likely due to a tailbone injury (yes, excuse the french but fuck you very much evolution), or over masturbation and excessive locking up and straining of the muscles IC/BS and others in the perineum area for hours on end. Therefore the problems must be attacked. Slowly one must remove the pain with very light short stretching daily and dropping of the pelvic floor without straining on any of these, then one must slowly strengthen the supporting muscles around such as the abdomen and glutes, and others, then eventually re strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
But please, get a PT, and do as (s)he says. I did 4 HOURS of deep breathing trying to speed up the process of healing. This did not end well. Towards the end of this, I could watch as a few deep breaths would return ALL 1.5 INCHES of flaccid I had lost, as well as the girth, and the fluffiness, and the dorsal vein would disappear back into my penis. Yet it was not permanent, and due to over training, that night I woke from a dead sleep to 100% combat mode. I felt what was like a fishing line one fire cutting through my abdomen, through my groin and to my ass. This pain was the re tightening of my muscles. If you've had the spasms, you know nothing compares to the first day that you just drop and can't move. Let me tell you, this is worse. This is actually the loss of progress as well, as the injury will set you further back. Unlike being inside a woman, "less is more". Be careful, and use a professional. Not as a weakness or an inability to handle the problem yourself, but for things you cannot do without potentially seriously injuring yourself further and throwing yourself further into hell.
Then at a point came the penis losing feeling then shrinking, then months later the IBS and intense muscle lock up and inability to defecate and start my stream, etc.
So by this I can conclude that the symptoms will disappear in the reverse order, (except my pain is going first, due to my flexibility increasing, and I have normal dumps again), and the last thing to return to normalcy will be my penis. I also notice that my perineum will not budge when "dropping" my pelvic floor, and nothing will except for the levator ani. Normal people can put their finger on their perineum, "drop" their pelvic floor (as in the feeling when trying to excrete urine or stool) and their perineum will expand like a frogs throat. I know mine used to, and now it only budges when kegeling.
This is most likely due to a tailbone injury (yes, excuse the french but fuck you very much evolution), or over masturbation and excessive locking up and straining of the muscles IC/BS and others in the perineum area for hours on end. Therefore the problems must be attacked. Slowly one must remove the pain with very light short stretching daily and dropping of the pelvic floor without straining on any of these, then one must slowly strengthen the supporting muscles around such as the abdomen and glutes, and others, then eventually re strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
But please, get a PT, and do as (s)he says. I did 4 HOURS of deep breathing trying to speed up the process of healing. This did not end well. Towards the end of this, I could watch as a few deep breaths would return ALL 1.5 INCHES of flaccid I had lost, as well as the girth, and the fluffiness, and the dorsal vein would disappear back into my penis. Yet it was not permanent, and due to over training, that night I woke from a dead sleep to 100% combat mode. I felt what was like a fishing line one fire cutting through my abdomen, through my groin and to my ass. This pain was the re tightening of my muscles. If you've had the spasms, you know nothing compares to the first day that you just drop and can't move. Let me tell you, this is worse. This is actually the loss of progress as well, as the injury will set you further back. Unlike being inside a woman, "less is more". Be careful, and use a professional. Not as a weakness or an inability to handle the problem yourself, but for things you cannot do without potentially seriously injuring yourself further and throwing yourself further into hell.
Neo,
The root of the problem is indeed in the mind/nervous system. If you do nothing but address the physical issues through PT, you will not find long term relief from HF. You have to address the mental/emotional side of this problem which can only be done through things like meditation and CBT. That is not to say that PT is not part of the healing process.
Stress relief, in my opinion (and in most of those who have healed fully) should be the primary method of healing HF. If you don't focus on finding a calm state within your mind, no amount of stretching will "release" those muscles because the very reason they are tensing is due to state of your mind/emotions surrounding the symptoms of HF. It's a terrible feedback loop.
Stress management is the root of your healing. You have to address the nervous tension through meditation and learn to "let it go"/"separate" your sense of well being from the symptoms of HF because the more you focus on/react to it the worse it gets. When you go into a state of deep relaxation, those muscles will begin to return to their normal state.
It's the reason why some people heal quickly from the onset of HF and others take years like myself. Even when the initial issue that caused the symptoms of HF is addressed (excessive masturbation, porn addiction, sexual anxiety, minor physical injury, etc), the problem can still persist and that is because the person is caught in the nervous system loop of going into the "fight or flight" state because in their mind they still think something is wrong. It is this reaction pattern that continues to tense the muscles even when the initial cause has been addressed and "healed" or "overcome".
So for me, being 13 when developed HF, I was obviously not prepared to deal with this from a logical and calm perspective. Thus, the very important formative years of my sexual experience were wired around me thinking something was continually wrong with me. You could imagine how much "unwiring" has been needed to get on the other side of this issue. It's the reason I'm still not 100% healed. Neural pathways can be weakened but learning how to do this is a form of "inner art". It is not easy because it is not something we are taught in our society. We are not equipped to deal with this issue and that is why I believe it is such a haunting issue for most men who suffer from HF. It takes a raising of your overall consciousness which in the end can make you a more capable human on so many levels.
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Also, just as a side note, if you are using any kind of drugs to help you through this, it is not going to help in the long run and you will eventually have to address your drug use which will be a whole other battle. This includes alcohol, marijuana, most prescription meds especially those for ADHD (vyvanse, adirol), hard drugs like cocaine, psychedelics, etc...I think you get the drift. Honestly, it even includes caffeine because this can cause an addiction pattern which is rooted in the limbic system of your brain which controls dopamine production and reception. When you partake in these activities you quickly cause the brain to lower its amount of dopamine receptors which can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental/emotional issues.
Now in our case of HF, do we really need to be altering our brain in a way that makes us prone to MORE mental instability? I think not. We need to do everything we can to find equilibrium in the brain because that's how this syndrome will heal itself.
Also, this same addiction mechanism is at play with porn. When you partake in watching porn, your brain produces higher levels of dopamine than it does with real sex and therefore the brain responds in the same way by lowering its amount of dopamine receptors. This lowering of dopamine receptors is what ALL OF US HF sufferers want to avoid because it causes serious issues in regard to the natural functioning of the brain.
I say all this because it is something that I personally have had to come to terms with. I would get real clean and stop smoking with my pot buddies and stop drinking and stop watching porn and yada yada ya, and it really would help. After a month or two I would start feeling so much better and my HF would be sh*t tons better from meditation etc. But then, I would flip that switch because I was "doing better" and slowly start watching porn again, slowly start drinking and smoking hear and there and then all the sudden a month or two later I realize I'm back in the same pit again with all my issues both mental and physical.
If you are not partaking in ANY of these dopamine boosting activities, then GOOD FOR YOU. Don't start. But if you find yourself doing any of these activities as a means of "feeling better" you need to be honest with yourself about whether or not you really want to be doing that to your brain. It's most likely as much of a contributor to your HF as anything else and after quitting these things, it takes the brain time to return back to it's normal state, but it DOES return eventually...and quicker if you are eating healthy, doing cardio, stretching, etc.
Sorry to rant fellas, I've just been facing this stuff again lately after falling out of the clean life and it's just stupid. I hope you guys will take it to heart and do some research and realize why it is a major hinderance to your healing. Your Brain On Porn | Evolution has not prepared your brain for today's Internet porn has some very good info regarding the brain processes surrounding addiction and especially why porn is a bigger issue than most guys realize. Get healthy so you can have the real thing!
Cheers
Voodoochild
VoodooChild, I think your bias is coming out here.
You delve into the fact of your own addictions including porn and masturbation and pot. Yes these can contribute, that is why I don't drink caffeine, drink alcohol, and coincidentally clean off any sort of high for the past 3.5 years. I don't play video games, or constantly surf the web, etc.
But it is dangerous to tell Neo that his problem is a mental one. No, his problem is not a mental issue for hard flaccid (99%, I'm not a doctor who's examined him so I can't be bold enough to say 100), but if you'll notice he states
"Thanks for the info. No, I shan't be working out other than walking. I had a low back/hip-leg muscular imbalance anyway, so still trying to resolve that."
Pelvic tilts, shifts, and any sort of imbalance down there can cause a hard flaccid. You can see his problem is a physical issue that needs to be addressed mostly through physical therapy. Yes he did state also that he uses caffeine and can be a stress ball, and yes that needs to be addressed too, but the physical aspect is much stronger here. He needs to be very careful with his body while recovering as physical injuries can become worse very quickly. The IBS like symptoms he has? Caused by a tight pelvic floor. This is where he needs to focus on the physical aspect, and assuming he makes progress, will most likely find stress relief through progress.
"but it DOES return eventually...and quicker if you are eating healthy, doing cardio, stretching, etc."
- Suggesting he do cardio right now? Bad idea, cardio will worsen a hypertonic pelvic floor.
Neo's problem is clearly a physical one that needs to be addressed through PT. Abstaining from addictions will not cure his muscular and structural imbalances, although it would help him become more in tune with his body. Same goes for meditation. While it may help you, it is dangerous to assume it is his mind at play here, when it could have been caused from something as small as doing the dishes his whole life with one side of his hip tilted up, or playing a side dominant sport such as hockey, baseball, boxing, etc when he was younger.
Also as many PTs know, hypertonic pelvic floors can actually be caused and are caused often by a weakening of the pelvic floor. As the floor becomes weak, it tightens up. So it could either be tightened from constant clenching, or weakened and then became tight.
Neo, did you notice before your HF came upon along with the hypertonic floor, any sort of dribbling with urine? Did you notice urgency with your bladder and an inability to shut off your stream of urine? Excessive dribbles when placing your penis back inside your pants?
In this case he would need to stop the pain with what I suggested, a dynamic warmup and then a stretching routine. From there, after the pain subsided and he returned to normal bowel function, he would need to do a dynamic warmup, then a very very very very weak workout (say 10 reps on your abs, squats, lower back, and core muscles) with just body weight, then proceed that with a stretching routine. After he strengthened the surrounding muscles that support and protect the pelvic floor, he would need to add kegels and other direct PF strengthening exercises to his routine.
You delve into the fact of your own addictions including porn and masturbation and pot. Yes these can contribute, that is why I don't drink caffeine, drink alcohol, and coincidentally clean off any sort of high for the past 3.5 years. I don't play video games, or constantly surf the web, etc.
But it is dangerous to tell Neo that his problem is a mental one. No, his problem is not a mental issue for hard flaccid (99%, I'm not a doctor who's examined him so I can't be bold enough to say 100), but if you'll notice he states
"Thanks for the info. No, I shan't be working out other than walking. I had a low back/hip-leg muscular imbalance anyway, so still trying to resolve that."
Pelvic tilts, shifts, and any sort of imbalance down there can cause a hard flaccid. You can see his problem is a physical issue that needs to be addressed mostly through physical therapy. Yes he did state also that he uses caffeine and can be a stress ball, and yes that needs to be addressed too, but the physical aspect is much stronger here. He needs to be very careful with his body while recovering as physical injuries can become worse very quickly. The IBS like symptoms he has? Caused by a tight pelvic floor. This is where he needs to focus on the physical aspect, and assuming he makes progress, will most likely find stress relief through progress.
"but it DOES return eventually...and quicker if you are eating healthy, doing cardio, stretching, etc."
- Suggesting he do cardio right now? Bad idea, cardio will worsen a hypertonic pelvic floor.
Neo's problem is clearly a physical one that needs to be addressed through PT. Abstaining from addictions will not cure his muscular and structural imbalances, although it would help him become more in tune with his body. Same goes for meditation. While it may help you, it is dangerous to assume it is his mind at play here, when it could have been caused from something as small as doing the dishes his whole life with one side of his hip tilted up, or playing a side dominant sport such as hockey, baseball, boxing, etc when he was younger.
Also as many PTs know, hypertonic pelvic floors can actually be caused and are caused often by a weakening of the pelvic floor. As the floor becomes weak, it tightens up. So it could either be tightened from constant clenching, or weakened and then became tight.
Neo, did you notice before your HF came upon along with the hypertonic floor, any sort of dribbling with urine? Did you notice urgency with your bladder and an inability to shut off your stream of urine? Excessive dribbles when placing your penis back inside your pants?
In this case he would need to stop the pain with what I suggested, a dynamic warmup and then a stretching routine. From there, after the pain subsided and he returned to normal bowel function, he would need to do a dynamic warmup, then a very very very very weak workout (say 10 reps on your abs, squats, lower back, and core muscles) with just body weight, then proceed that with a stretching routine. After he strengthened the surrounding muscles that support and protect the pelvic floor, he would need to add kegels and other direct PF strengthening exercises to his routine.
TheHardFlaccidThatCould,
Have you read "HF Unraveled"?
Just curious because in the history of people who have suffered with HF, those who take a purely physical approach to the symptoms never fully heal. Those who do that PLUS bring the mental/emotional side into play DO heal. It's been one of the core findings in regard to healing HF.
Nowhere in my post did I recommend against doing any of the physical treatments. Yoga and a healthy diet are still part of my routine and I would advise everyone to maintain both throughout and even after recovery.
And I brought up my personal issues with addictions like porn and pot (albeit mild) because it is not talked about enough and can very well hinder complete recovery.
I just want to make it clear that the mental/emotional side of this condition is the root of the problem and if you do nothing but address the physical symptoms, you will continue to have flare ups of hard flaccid. So, it is equally dangerous to tell Neo that his problem is a physical one. The truth is, it's a combination of both and until both sides are addressed and properly restored, the condition will not heal 100%.
That's why meditation is JUST AS IMPORTANT as anything you are recommending (which like I said I also recommend all the PT you are talking about...I'm not negating those things by any stretch of the imagination). But, the muscles are continuing to tense due to the nervous system going into a state similar to "fight-or-flight". There is no amount of PT that will reduce the tendency for that to happen which is why it cannot 100% cure HF once it has already taken hold. It is necessary to get the muscles back in shape FOR SURE, but that root issue must be addressed through relaxing the nervous system which can be accomplished through ongoing CBT and meditation.
I think you are giving valuable information but it needs to be apparent to anyone suffering with HF that that healing must be addressed both physically and mentally otherwise full recovery is unlikely to occur.
cheers
voodoo
Have you read "HF Unraveled"?
Just curious because in the history of people who have suffered with HF, those who take a purely physical approach to the symptoms never fully heal. Those who do that PLUS bring the mental/emotional side into play DO heal. It's been one of the core findings in regard to healing HF.
Nowhere in my post did I recommend against doing any of the physical treatments. Yoga and a healthy diet are still part of my routine and I would advise everyone to maintain both throughout and even after recovery.
And I brought up my personal issues with addictions like porn and pot (albeit mild) because it is not talked about enough and can very well hinder complete recovery.
I just want to make it clear that the mental/emotional side of this condition is the root of the problem and if you do nothing but address the physical symptoms, you will continue to have flare ups of hard flaccid. So, it is equally dangerous to tell Neo that his problem is a physical one. The truth is, it's a combination of both and until both sides are addressed and properly restored, the condition will not heal 100%.
That's why meditation is JUST AS IMPORTANT as anything you are recommending (which like I said I also recommend all the PT you are talking about...I'm not negating those things by any stretch of the imagination). But, the muscles are continuing to tense due to the nervous system going into a state similar to "fight-or-flight". There is no amount of PT that will reduce the tendency for that to happen which is why it cannot 100% cure HF once it has already taken hold. It is necessary to get the muscles back in shape FOR SURE, but that root issue must be addressed through relaxing the nervous system which can be accomplished through ongoing CBT and meditation.
I think you are giving valuable information but it needs to be apparent to anyone suffering with HF that that healing must be addressed both physically and mentally otherwise full recovery is unlikely to occur.
cheers
voodoo
Oh and about the cardio thing, I've not found running to be an issue for me anymore. At one point it was. So, saying cardio is bad is a bit vague.
I think people need to tune into their bodies first and foremost. If something causes tension, BY ALL MEANS AVOID THAT ACTIVITY if possible. Weight lifting is definitely a no go for me still but cardio is fine plus it helps my overall feeling of well-being and daily mood through the release of endorphins.
I think people need to tune into their bodies first and foremost. If something causes tension, BY ALL MEANS AVOID THAT ACTIVITY if possible. Weight lifting is definitely a no go for me still but cardio is fine plus it helps my overall feeling of well-being and daily mood through the release of endorphins.
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