What is Hard Flaccid Syndrome?

Published: 2025-09-30

Updated: 2025-09-30

4 mins

The internet has complicated many aspects of human existence, but it has also brought people together through shared experiences. One of the first studies on hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) was conducted based on concerns posted on internet forums and chat rooms by men across the country about their experiences with hard flaccid syndrome.

HFS is not an official term in the medical space, but it’s used by men to describe a set of commonly associated symptoms. Men with hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) experience their penis staying partially erect when in a flaccid state. 

Not only can hard flaccid syndrome lead to physical discomfort, but the mental toll of the condition can affect the social and emotional well-being of men who have it. 

What are the Symptoms of Hard Flaccid Syndrome?

HFS is often referred to as a group of symptoms affecting the rigidity of the penis. Men with hard flaccid syndrome may experience the following symptoms:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Painful bowel movements

• Anxiety

• High levels of stress

• Penile trauma

• Tenderness on the penis

• Pain in the pelvic region

• Discomfort while urinating

• Muscle fatigue

• Low libido

Symptoms associated with HFS often occur in men with other preexisting health conditions. Masturbating excessively or for too long may also lead to nerve complications in the penis and contribute to hard flaccid syndrome. However, more research is still needed on the connection between overmasturbation and HFS.

Many of the psychological symptoms, like low libido, anxiety, and depression, may worsen as a result of a decline in sexual function.

What Causes Hard Flaccid Syndrome?

Health experts do not know if there is one specific cause of hard flaccid syndrome. It can result from various complications like muscle pain and nerve issues. For many men, hard flaccid syndrome can arise as a response to intense stress, depression, or anxiety as well.

What Does Hard Flaccid Syndrome Look Like?

Men with hard flaccid syndrome typically don’t show signs of other physical abnormalities on the penis besides a partial erection. However, a healthcare provider may use imaging scans, such as an X-ray, to see any underlying injuries to the pelvic region.

How Long Does Hard Flaccid Syndrome Last?

Health experts have not conducted enough studies on hard flaccid syndrome to accurately determine the average length of time men have the condition. However, one study using online responses from men with the condition found that it can last for weeks or a couple of months, depending on the severity.

Can You Cure Hard Flaccid Syndrome?

Hard flaccid syndrome is not an official condition recognized by the medical community, but a healthcare provider can successfully treat common symptoms associated with the condition. 

Whether it's connected to a psychological issue or a physical condition, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications and recommend treatment based on your symptoms and health history.

How to Treat Hard Flaccid Syndrome

Before recommending treatment, a healthcare provider will ask you several questions about your health history and the current symptoms you’re experiencing. They will also perform a physical exam to check for any visible signs of HFS. 

It’s important to note that treatment may change over time as a healthcare provider monitors changes to your symptoms.

Talk therapy

If most of your symptoms are related to your mental and emotional well-being, a healthcare provider may refer you to a licensed mental healthcare provider like a therapist or psychiatrist. 

They can help you work through any traumatic events or sources of stress in your life that may manifest in your physical health. For example, they may share stress relief exercises, deep breathing techniques, and tools for processing traumatic events to help you regulate your nervous system and potentially alleviate HFS symptoms.

Pelvic floor exercises

Practicing pelvic floor exercises at home may also help you manage the condition. Pelvic floor exercises include a series of movements to help relax the pelvic and abdominal muscles. The goal is to prevent muscles in the penis from tensing up even when you’re not aroused.

Make sure you reach out to a physical therapist or consult your primary healthcare provider before practicing pelvic floor exercises. Some exercises may worsen your condition if you have an injury in your pelvic region. 

Shockwave therapy

Focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that may help improve blood flow to the penis. During therapy, a healthcare provider emits low-frequency shockwaves to the penile tissue to promote blood flow and full erections.

Medications to treat hard flaccid syndrome

For men with depression or anxiety, a healthcare provider may recommend antidepressants in addition to talk therapy.

There are also medication options for physical symptoms of HFS. While erectile dysfunction (ED) is not the cause of hard flaccid syndrome, it is a common symptom in men who have HFS. ED is most often treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors like Cialis® (tadalafil) and Viagra® (sildenafil).

Where Can I Learn More About Sexual Health?

If you suspect you have HFS, a urologist (a healthcare provider specializing in urinary and reproductive systems) can best evaluate you for treatment. It’s important to see someone before starting any medications that may worsen your condition. 

For men experiencing symptoms commonly associated with ED, Rex MD can help you find fast, affordable relief. If medically appropriate, Rex MD can ship FDA-approved ED medications like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) directly to your door.

Get started today by answering a few questions about your treatment needs.