Hard Flaccid Syndrome is when the penis is in a semi-rigid state in the absence of arousal. Here's everything you need to know about.
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Hard Flaccid Syndrome (HFS) is a mostly unknown but increasingly prevalent condition that affects men's sexual health. This guide will help you understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.
The majority of patients who have this condition are in their 20s and 30s. In recent years, more research has been done on hard flaccid syndrome.
Hard flaccid syndrome is a condition where the penis remains semi-rigid in the absence of arousal.
Some potential causes of hard flaccid syndrome include trauma, pelvic floor dysfunction, and nerve compression.
Common symptoms of hard flaccid syndrome include pain when ejaculating, numbness or coldness, and less frequent morning erections.
Medical authorities are beginning to investigate possible treatments that may help with curing the condition. Here’s some of the latest information to know about hard flaccid syndrome.
The National Library of Medicine describes hard flaccid syndrome as a condition in which the penis remains semi-rigid, or "hard," even when it's not aroused or erect. This persistent state of tension can lead to constant pain, discomfort, and sexual dysfunction.
The condition is said to be so new, most information on the condition comes from online forums like Reddit. As recently as 2020, it was not recognized by medical authorities as a legitimate condition.
The exact causes of hard flaccid syndrome remain unknown, but various factors may contribute to its development. Some potential causes include:
Trauma to the penis during masturbation or sexual intercourse was what patients primarily reported as what led to the onset of their symptoms.
Pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in supporting the bladder, bowel, and sexual organs. Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to erectile dysfunction, and may also contribute to hard flaccid syndrome.
Compression of the pudendal nerve, which provides sensation to the penis, can potentially be a factor when experiencing hard flaccid syndrome.
High levels of stress and anxiety can trigger muscle tension, which may lead to hard flaccid syndrome.
Men with hard flaccid syndrome may experience a range of symptoms, including:
Symptoms are said to be worse in the standing position.
There is no specific way to diagnose HFS. Laboratory and imaging tests are generally inconclusive.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, medical history, and the exclusion of other potential causes. Additional tests may include:
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Given how new the condition is, doctors are still figuring out how to cure hard flaccid syndrome. Treatment for HFS varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Some options include:
A specialized physical therapist can help men with HFS strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall function. In at least one case study, it has proven to be a potentially effective treatment for hard flaccid syndrome.
Medications for pain management may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. PDE5 inhibitors may also be prescribed to help improve blood flow to the penis.
CBT can help individuals reduce anxiety and stress. While anxiety has not been examined for whether it increases the risk of hard flaccid syndrome, anxiety has been proven to increase the risk of similar sexual dysfunctions like ED.
Trigger point injections is known to be effective at relaxing muscles, and may help relax the muscles of patients with hard flaccid syndrome.
Pudendal nerve decompression surgery has been shown to be effective in treating ED, may also be helpful in treating hard flaccid syndrome.
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue for those experiencing hard flaccid syndrome. While one study didn’t find ED medications were effective, it still may be worth trying. Here are the top ED meds available:
Learn more about how ED meds work and consult with a doctor to determine if it’s a good treatment option.
In an article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, it was noted that sufferers of hard flaccid syndrome experienced psychological issues such as mild anxiety and severe depression. These issues have also been reported by users on online forums as well.
In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes might help manage hard flaccid syndrome symptoms:
Hard Flaccid Syndrome is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can have a significant impact on men's sexual health and overall well-being. Studies suggest it may mainly affect men in their 20s and 30s.
Current treatment options that may help treat HFS include pelvic floor therapy and pain medication. Researchers continue to investigate the condition more, more information will become available to help those who have it.
By understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options, individuals with HFS can work with healthcare professionals to develop an effective treatment plan and improve their quality of life.
Our team has over a decade of experience in the sexual wellness field and are experts in sexual dysfunctions, like premature ejaculation. We help couples and individuals better understand treatment options available for different types of sexual needs and educate the public on all things related to intimacy. All of our authored content is medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.
Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Abdessater M, Kanbar A, Akakpo W, Beley S. Hard flaccid syndrome: state of current knowledge. Basic Clin Androl. 2020 Jun 4;30:7. doi: 10.1186/s12610-020-00105-5. PMID: 32518654; PMCID: PMC7271516. Accessed on Apr, 10, 2023.
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Velurajah R, Brunckhorst O, Waqar M, McMullen I, Ahmed K. Erectile dysfunction in patients with anxiety disorders: a systematic review. Int J Impot Res. 2022 Mar;34(2):177-186. doi: 10.1038/s41443-020-00405-4. Epub 2021 Feb 18. PMID: 33603242; PMCID: PMC8964411. Accessed on Apr, 10, 2023.
Hammi C, Schroeder JD, Yeung B. Trigger Point Injection. [Updated 2022 Nov 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542196/. Accessed on Apr, 10, 2023.
Maggi M, Pirola GM, Absil F, De Plaen E, Mosca A, Salciccia S, Sciarra A, Bollens R. Erectile function recovery after laparoscopic decompression of pudendal artery and nerve: a documented case report. Cent European J Urol. 2020;73(4):569-571. doi: 10.5173/ceju.2020.0088.R1. Epub 2020 Dec 3. PMID: 33552586; PMCID: PMC7848823. Accessed on Apr, 10, 2023.
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"Hard Flaccid and Depressed - Reddit." Reddit.com, 2020, www.reddit.com/r/Hard_Flaccid/comments/hxpxe8/hard_flaccid_and_depressed/. Accessed on Apr, 10, 2023.
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