Erectile dysfunction is very common and it’s rarely only about erections. In this episode, Dr.

Rebecca Howard Eudy (sex & couples therapist, Boston) and Dr. Alex DiGrado (pelvic floor

physical therapist, Melrose, MA) team up to unpack ED from both sides: the psychology and

relationship dynamics that drive performance anxiety, and the physical, pelvic-floor, and lifestyle

factors that affect blood flow, coordination, and climax. From “spectatoring” to cycling, to

diaphragmatic breathing and practical tools like pumps, rings, and meds, this is a

compassionate, evidence-informed roadmap to getting sexual function back on track.

What You’ll Learn

• Why a “bad erection moment” can snowball into anxiety, and how to break the loop
• Physical culprits behind ED: pelvic floor tension, breath-holding with heavy lifting, cycling
• compression, prostatectomy changes, meds, and more
• Coordination: why lengthening/relaxing the pelvic floor is as vital as strengthening.
• Simple, at-home strategies: 360° breathing, posture/mobility tweaks, partner-focused
• pleasure to exit “spectator mode”
• When tools help: pumps, rings, Viagra/Cialis (and why a safety-net pill can reduce pressure)
• How to broaden “what counts as sex” so intimacy thrives while you heal

Tune in if you’ve ever thought:

• “I can get morning/masturbation erections, but lose it with a partner, what gives?”
• “Is cycling/weightlifting messing with my erections?”
• “How do we keep sex fun if penetration isn’t reliable right now?”

Resources

• The Postpartum Essentials Virtual course
• Sex After Baby Mini-Course
• Find a pelvic floor PT: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global Directory
• Under the Hood Newsletter (Boston Pelvic PT)
• Parents in Love Newsletter by Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy

Connect with Us:

Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy → rebeccaeudy.com | Instagram @rebeccahowardeudy

Dr. Alex DiGrado → bostonpelvicpt.com | Instagram @bostonpelvicpt

Join the Conversation

If this episode gave you a new way to think about erections, anxiety, or pleasure, share it with a

friend or tag us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underthehooddocs/

Want more?

Subscribe wherever you listen and visit http://www.underthehoodpod.com for show notes,

transcripts, and resources.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

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