We know sitting at a desk all day can be bad for your health, causing a number of ailments from weak glutes, to anxiety and depression.
But did you know, it can also harm your penis too?
It turns out that poor posture can have a seriously negative impact on the male genitals.
We get it, you’re wondering how much damage can slouching actually do? Well, in short, it can lead to erectile dysfunction, weak erections and can make it difficult to climax at all.
Sitting up straighter in your seat now? We thought so.
Metro spoke to GP Dr Jeff Foster, a men’s health specialist, about the side effects of poor posture, and how to rectify the health issues that could already be presenting if you’re a serial sloucher…
What is poor posture?
Dr Foster tells Metro: ‘Typically, poor posture can appear as rounded shoulders, a hunched back and even a head that leans forward or backwards slightly.
‘A potbelly can also indicate poor posture. Poor posture can cause muscles in the pelvic floor to become tighter and weaker.
‘These are the muscles which support your pelvic organs such as the bladder and bowel. Poor posture can also impact nerve function.’
What are the effects of poor posture on your penile health?
Slouching and hunching actually weakens your core muscles which are connected to your pelvic floor muscles, which become ‘tighter and weaker’ as a result of the increased pressure on them.
‘When it comes to your penis, having tight pelvic floor muscles can mean these muscles aren’t as strong, which can reduce sexual stamina (with weaker erections) and even weaker ejaculation, which can mean a weaker orgasm all round,’ Dr Foster, who works with Eroxon, explains.
‘Issues with the pelvic floor muscles can lead to problems with the pelvic floor organs which can lead to urine leakage, pain when going to the toilet, pelvic pain and pressure in the penis and testicle area.
‘You can also have difficulty achieving an erection, and a far less enjoyable climax, if you’re able to climax at all.
‘There is even some evidence to suggest that poor posture can reduce energy levels and cause us to feel more fatigued generally.
‘This in turn can reduce the chances of sexual arousal, which means less chance of an erection.’
How to prevent poor posture affecting your penis
‘Getting the spine in a neutral position is important here,’ Dr Foster explains. ‘To get into a good standing posture, stand against a wall so that the back of your head, shoulder blades and bum touch the wall.
‘Heels should be just slightly away from the wall. Place your hand behind your lower back. If you’re finding it easy to slide your hand there, flatten your back gently against the wall. You should barely be able to get your hand in this gap.’
If your job requires you to be sat down for long periods of time, you can practice good posture at your desk too.
Dr Foster says: ‘When sitting, make sure your screen is at eye height, your feet are flat on the ground and your forearms are comfortably on your desk.
‘By sorting your posture, your pelvic muscles will have to be working, which means they are being used more effectively.
‘This potentially allows for better blood flow to the penis which means a greater chance of an erection, as erections occur when the penis is engorged by blood.’
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.