Eddie's Story*

Embracing couple

Step 1

Eddie discovered what mattered

Eddie (he/him) is a 25-year-old hospitality worker, referred by his GP with two year history of worsening constipation, anal pain and erectile dysfunction. As a neurodivergent person, Eddie had often ignored an urge to poo and developed rigid routines around his bowel habits. He was spending over an hour in the bathroom multiple times daily, often passing only a small amount of stool or having "dry runs" where nothing happened. Firm stool, straining, anal pain and anxiety was affecting Eddie’s ability to achieve and maintain erections. Being the top partner in a gay relationship meant this was extremely impactful. Working together, we discovered Eddie felt trapped in a cycle of worry and hypervigilance around his bowel and erectile function, had significantly increased resting tension in his pelvic floor muscles with poor awareness of how to relax them. His nervous system had become highly sensitised, with catastrophising thoughts around bowel function and fixed beliefs about needing to completely empty. The chronic pelvic floor tension was contributing to both his anal pain and erectile difficulties.

Eddie's Pelvic Health Goals:

  • Not spend more than 30 minutes in the toilet for bowel motions.
  • Reduce the "dry runs" and false alarms that control my day.
  • Get rid of the pain with having a bowel motion – it’s not helpful to be scared of having a bowel motion.
  • Feel confident about erections and be able to have penetrative sex with my partner again.
  • Have more energy, be able to rock climb and go out with friends without toilet anxiety.

Step 2

Eddie restored what mattered

Eddie found understanding the relationship between his nervous system, emotions, pain, bowel and erectile function helped his motivation with the management plan. We built awareness of his pelvic floor tension and focused on relaxation using biofeedback and breathing exercises. Eddie ensured his stool was soft and formed and practiced effective bowel emptying. Improving his morning routine and challenging beliefs around incomplete evacuation helped to reduce unnecessary toilet trips. As his pelvic floor tension reduced through daily relaxation practice, nervous system regulation and general exercise, his anal pain improved, and erectile function began to return. 

Step 3

Eddie enjoyed what mattered

After 7 months, Eddie's bowel frequency had reduced to 1-2 times daily, spending only 20-30 minutes in the toilet. The anal pain had resolved and his erectile function had significantly improved, and he and his partner were enjoying intimacy again. Eddie's sleep improved, his energy returned, and he returned to rock climbing and socialising with friends. Most importantly, Eddie felt he had his life back - the toilet was no longer controlling his every decision.

* We share these stories to help bring our pathway to life. They’re based on years of experience and thousands of people we’ve supported with various pelvic health conditions. None of these journeys is of one particular patient, though. Instead, each one is an amalgamation of many successful outcomes.

Pelvic Health Matters

New name.
Same exceptional care.

Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.

Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au