Eleni Konstantinidou

Dr. Eleni Konstantinidou

Physiotherapy, University of Patras, Pátrai, Greece

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 October 2023 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Evdokia BillisEvdokia Billis
Evdokia Billis
KKKontogiannis Kontogiannis
Kontogiannis Kontogiannis
STSpyridon Tsounakos
Spyridon Tsounakos
EKEleni Konstantinidou
Eleni Konstantinidou
KGKonstantinos Giannitsas
Konstantinos Giannitsas
Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) is a rather rare, acquired clinical entity affecting young men’s well-being, sexual and social life. HFS presents with a cluster of symptoms including penile-specific somatosensory disturbances, a semi-rigid penis at the flaccid state without any stimulation or desire, erectile dysfunction, perineal and/or penile pain, associated urinary symptoms, emotional distress as well as other psychosocial and stress-related manifestations. Although its pathophysiology is still not well understood, initial penile trauma causing minor nerve and vascular disturbances to the penis and associated pelvic floor musculature is suggested to trigger the syndrome. Despite the scarcity of research on HFS, the present report describes a case of a young male clinically diagnosed with HFS, who benefited from a biopsychosocial management strategy, focusing on pain management, therapeutic exercise approaches, such as pelvic floor exercise re-education, graded exposure to activity as well as education on lifestyle and stress-related modifications. This holistic management approach has been clinically reasoned in this case report, and the need for more evidence-based studies developing diagnosing criteria, elaborating pathophysiological mechanisms and testing the efficiency of different therapeutic options is highlighted.