It's Finally Here! Erection During Pelvic Exam 🙈
Added 2024-12-31 16:18:00 +0000 UTCLet’s face it—fear of an awkward moment or misunderstanding with a medical provider keeps far too many people from seeking help for pelvic a
Let’s face it—fear of an awkward moment or misunderstanding with a medical provider keeps far too many people from seeking help for pelvic and sexual health concerns. Men, in particular, may worry that a spontaneous erection during an exam could be misinterpreted.
While these situations can feel hard to handle (pun intended), they shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need! Here’s the truth: spontaneous erections might happen—or they might not—during a pelvic exam. A well-trained, professional provider will address this possibility beforehand and ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
Remember, genitals do genital things sometimes. How they behave isn’t always in sync with how we feel internally. You can have an erection without being aroused or be aroused without an erection. It’s all part of the fascinating and complex world of pelvic and sexual health!
Have you ever felt nervous about discussing or experiencing something like this during a medical exam? If you’re comfortable, share your thoughts or experiences—your story could help others feel less alone!
Comments
I've considered having an exam of the erectile tissue and assume that may require trimix injection. Not really necessary at this time, though. In this case I think I'd be okay with the erection. It's all about when the erection is appropriate.
Guy (works)
2025-02-03 18:27:40 +0000 UTCI would say "I understand what you have experienced with your prostate issues", BUT, as they say you can't appreciate what someone has dealt with until "You walk in their shoes." However, I have had an invasive TURP, a bladder neck reduction and most recently a penis saga that resulted in 5 months of treatment, no sexual activity and eventually a biopsy of a mass in my shaft...which was benign. Also, had a renal cell carcinoma which was removed surgically. Given all of that, I can acknowledge the trauma and stress such medical issues can create. As far as your reluctance to have your pelvic area and genitals visually or physically examed...it really depends on what one is comfortable with. I am not a modest person...that along with my urological history has resulted in me becoming very comfortable having my gentials visually and physically examined...while always being respectful, not inappropriate or offending anyone. Neither one of us are wrong in our perspectives. I don't see any reason for you or I to consider changing our perspectives. It is what we are comfortable with...that is what is important. I am just glad we can share our perspectives without judgement. Regarding erections...I do understand what you said about your massage therapist getting close enough to brush your gentials. I have had it happen during massages and it definitely happens during Brazilian waxings. At times it has been arousing but mostly not the case. In total I have probably gotten less than five erections during therapeutic massages/skincare treatments...and I do get alot of massages. I have never gotten an erection during a medical examination. But, my urologist has discussed a "penile injection test" which causes an erection while in her office for observation and determining causes of erectile dysfunction. I am not concerned about the actual injection into my penis, but I am still considering my comfort level with getting an erection in her and others presence. But if it is for medical purposes I will likely do it. I hope this is helpful...writing it has been for me. You take care.
Ron Gaskins
2025-01-28 19:50:00 +0000 UTCI've never had an erection during a massage, but then again I began while castrate to desensitize. I would not be comfortable with being in constant view or constant handling or knocking into my genitals. Oddly enough I found I was more comfortable in pelvic massage when the therapist held them to the side. When I held them aside, there was too much focus on the genitals as I constantly regripped to keep everything together. On the first Swedish massage I had to ask the therapist to stop working my glutes as that pushed my genitals into the table, feeling too triggering. I wore briefs for a while, but I got annoyed when the briefs interfered with work on the IT band and have since completely disrobed. I no longer have issues with the glutes. In reality I'm too relaxed after the therapist has worked my backside to worry about much of anything. I do have issues when she works high up on my inner thigh where she might knock into my (draped) genitals so I move them to the side she is not working on.
Guy (works)
2025-01-27 21:20:07 +0000 UTCJennie, I am so glad to see you on Dr. Susie's site. It is very helpful to have a female perspective. You brought up very interesting points. Your husband is fortunate.
Ron Gaskins
2025-01-23 17:43:59 +0000 UTCJennie, I agree...if the person being treated is not inappropriate, medical and other professional providers understand that erections are a natural thing and usually stop treatment for awhile or have one move their penis to one side or the other. It is the utmost of professionalism.
Ron Gaskins
2025-01-23 17:31:40 +0000 UTCWorks...I was referring to Swedish massage. When erections occurred during massage the therapist wasn't inappropriate but did come close to genitals. During waxings one's genitals are obviously being touched. But, given waxings can be somewhat painful, it distracts from arousal. I suppose one would need to understand my urological history to understand why I am comfortable with gential and pelvic areas being visually and physically examed. My comfort is perverted but something that I have become accustomed to. I should say that my having gotten erections during massages and waxings have been rare.
Ron Gaskins
2025-01-23 17:26:57 +0000 UTCFor me, having an erection around anyone other than my wife is a no go. I don't know whether I could accept medical treatment that may require an erection. I certainly avoid waxing or other similar exposure. I did have an erection when an urologist milked my prostate as part of an exam for testicular cancer. That will not be repeated. When you say therapeutic massage do you mean something like Swedish full body massage? Five years ago, before I had cancer treatment, there was no way I'd consent to full body massage. Just too personal and again not sure I could handle that much touch without becoming aroused. Part of the treatment for cancer is temporary medically induced castration ("puberty blockers") as the cancer feeds on testosterone. Being castrate brings on andropause (male menopause); fatigue, hot flushes, loss of libido, over the top emotions. The emotions were difficult for me to deal with and caused extreme tension. I decided to try full body Swedish massage to reduce the tension while my libido was low so I could maybe desensitize to touch and be good with it after my libido recovered. This worked out pretty well and now have massage as often as I can afford it. There is little worry about becoming aroused.
Guy (works)
2025-01-23 16:41:05 +0000 UTCMy husband regularly has erections during his PF therapy sessions. He's on the larger side (9 inches from pelvic bone to tip) and he says the therapists are okay with it and just move it out of the way where required. As long as he does not bring attention to it or do anything rude. No big deal, professionalism at it's best!
Jenniewaifu
2025-01-18 02:34:09 +0000 UTCFear of having erection during genital exams made the whole thing so unsexy that everything shrivels. Unfortunately that's not a good out for me now as I have an arterial aneurysm and high blood pressure from extreme anxiety can cause rupture.
works
2025-01-17 05:59:01 +0000 UTCYes, this is a great idea!
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-17 02:50:40 +0000 UTCThank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Works. It’s completely valid and normal to feel vulnerable with such intimate therapy, and it’s okay to need strategies like “table talk” or having a third person present to make the process feel more comfortable. I admire your courage in facing these challenges while also maintaining a sense of lightness and openness about it all. 💛
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-17 02:48:56 +0000 UTCWorks...I haven't had an erection during PFPT but have gotten them during therapeutic massages and Brazilian waxing. I have found that most providers are not offended if one doesn't do anything inappropriate...which I certainly would not do. Some providers have taken a break for a bit until erection subsides and some have just continued. I have usually acknowledged my erection in an apologetic manner. My PFPT shared a story of a client who was receiving shockwave therapy getting an erection and actually ejaculating. When I said I would be horrified if it happened to me she said I should be thankful that the treatment was working. One esthetician actually told me it made waxing easier with an erect penis. I think it is just important to have an open dialogue with your provider about the possibility that it could or does happen. Given you are seeing your therapist in an attempt to be able to achieve erections, I would encourage you to relax and allow your body to respond. That is my opinion as one who receives therapeutic treatment for pelvic floor issues...
Ron Gaskins
2025-01-16 13:47:48 +0000 UTCMy therapist, my wife and I had an extended conversation about my very strong sense of modesty and fear of having an erection during therapy. Among other things, I told her that no matter what she would say, I could not accept the idea that my having an erection during treatment would not offend her. She does quite a bit to reduce stress including draping, constantly asking for consent, constantly chatting. And I have my wife sit in. I feel that one on one with such intimate touch feels too personal while a third person gives more of a less personal clinic feel. About the third session I realized that the chatting about gardening, travel and such were for distraction. I thought it worked very well and even came up with subjects for "table talk" Funny to say, but one of the chat subjects was my talking about the difference between erections and sexual function while castrate vs non castrate. I'd been castrate for 6 months for prostate cancer treatment. Still, it worked. Also I understand the humor or irony in that she is working to help me be able to have spontaneous erections (and succeeded) and I am at the same time working hard to prevent the spontaneous erections during therapy.
works
2025-01-16 06:11:43 +0000 UTCMaybe ask for a chaperone?
works
2025-01-16 05:48:32 +0000 UTCThank you so much! This is the non-censored version. What is on YouTube is not full video.
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-15 16:34:16 +0000 UTChi i found your video on YouTube and found them to be very educational. wasint this suppose to be a non censored version why am i not seeing it
mk jill
2025-01-15 05:09:15 +0000 UTCPatreONE, thank you for sharing your experience with us. I can understand how feelings of shame might surface during such a challenging situation. I’m glad to hear your provider approached it with kindness and professionalism. 💙
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-06 19:23:20 +0000 UTCHi doctor, during an exam, I not only had an erection, but I also cummed. I was ashamed, luckily the doctor was kind. In general, if I do the medical exam with a male doctor, nothing happens to me, if I do it with a female doctor, then it's a problem. =)
PatreONE
2025-01-06 19:18:48 +0000 UTCAbsolutely!
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-04 15:28:14 +0000 UTCI was getting that treatment because few years ago I noticed after getting an ejaculation or long session of sexual activity or even sometimes just from being hard then when the erection/ boner would go down my penis started to go to the left. It was very alarming . Even at first the Urologist said if you can penetrate and it doesn’t cause pain the. What’s the problem. I actually did experience discomfort physically and mentally when you see one half or side of penis going down and the other side engorged. So that was scary. When hard mostly straight maybe a little to the left. This was crazy to the left. So anyways that was the start of PFPT referral after doing a Doppler test. To test the blood flow. That all mostly has improved. Clenching in that area to prolong sex and bad Kegel routine screwed my you know what to the left. Always seek professional advice. Haha
Robert C.
2025-01-03 02:58:31 +0000 UTCYes I meant shock wave therapy in reference to it no being covered by insurance . Which I hear there is a home device for about $800-$900. Yes that it still is experimental. At my current PFPT they use Ultrasonic shockwave the low frequency. I’ll get the name next time I go. They use gel, the the transducer and run it over/ up and down the shaft and you can feel the blood circulation.
Robert C.
2025-01-03 02:46:43 +0000 UTCDuring it hasn’t. Maybe afterwards when relaxed yes. I have asked my Former Doc if this happens when I was about 20th are old and They said we Don’t let it ruin our day and it says everything is working. Another PFPT who I see now said it does happen. I brought up the fact that I know it’s common but it isn’t for me and I’m actually running the tape over in my head not actually allowing myself to relax during therapy. Then actually just letting go . They say this also is common.
Robert C.
2025-01-03 02:39:22 +0000 UTCYeah that helped take any pressure off. I have no issue going to the Doctors, then again at the same time find myself anxious, full of adrenaline and nervous. All things that affect the parasympathetic nervous system.
Robert C.
2025-01-03 02:38:25 +0000 UTCNot everyone gets an erection during an exam--so many factors play into our body's reflexes and responses. The context and environment also matter. Great advice from your therapist!
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-03 00:43:57 +0000 UTCDo you mean shockwave therapy when you say ultrasonic treatments? Yes, you're right, shockwave therapy is still in its infancy for ED treatment. There is much inconsistency around treatment protocols and efficacy (can help with mild ED and not other health issues). Basically, research not showing that it is better than the current available treatment, PDE5-Inhibitors ( aka Viagra or Cialis).
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-03 00:40:53 +0000 UTCI can share more in the discord/VIP if that is better.
Robert C.
2025-01-02 22:41:19 +0000 UTCI feel like I couldn’t even get an erection while being examined even if I wanted to. I have had a lot although my life starting when you need to for Sports(Football/ hockey etc.) or school Physical. At one point I’m like is this a fantasy or insecurity. I’ve talked with my mental health therapist and we didn’t spend a lot of time on it. I guess the big take away is my therapist said it’s not a date. Just go and relax.
Robert C.
2025-01-02 22:40:18 +0000 UTCMy (former) Urologist had those ultra sonic to do treatments on penile shaft. Some use for ED some use for Peronies and all in between. Not cover by Insurance and after 6 visits the can inject you with PRP. I did not do this. However I do the ultrasound waves with my current PFPT. It’s great
Robert C.
2025-01-02 22:37:18 +0000 UTCIn brief, yes, manual therapy to penile tissue can help with scar tissue. Also, using a penis pump and, potentially, therapeutic ultrasound. I would share with your therapist that your doctor suggested this treatment and that you are interested in learning more about your options including ways to do your own self treatment at home. It may also reduce the sexual ambiguity by letting her know in advance that this is purely a therapeutic request and not a sexual one. Unfortunately, not all pelvic therapists are trained to address penile rehabilitation or sexual health issues and mistakenly misapprehend the situation.
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-02 21:05:08 +0000 UTCThis is such a great question, Ron! I really appreciate you asking. Do you mind copying this question in the VIP chat or Discord for me to address more personally there?
susie@drsusieg.com
2025-01-02 20:54:38 +0000 UTCHi Dr Gronski... I just joined yesterday. I am looking forward to your insights. A somewhat related question. I have penile scar tissue which is a result of a medical procedure. I am currently seeing a PFPT. My urologist suggested that massage of the penis area by my therapist could possibly breakdown the scar tissue. I am totally comfortable with such manual therapy but i am unsure of how exactly I should ask my therapist for it. Two questions...have you found that massage can help with scar tissue and secondly how should I propose the treatment to my therapist? I certainly want to be respectful in doing so. Thank you...
Ron Gaskins
2025-01-02 18:49:29 +0000 UTCYou're welcome! We look forward to you sharing more on this topic. 🙂
susie@drsusieg.com
2024-12-31 23:06:00 +0000 UTCThanks for the video! I have a lot to share on this topic although it hasn’t exactly happened for me with many exams and pelvic floor therapy.
Robert C.
2024-12-31 21:45:41 +0000 UTC
