Men's Pelvic Health
Men have pelvic floors, meaning, they can experience issues with the functions of pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscles are responsible for our bowel, bladder, and sexual function. When there is a problem with the muscles such as weakness, overactivity, or increased tension, it can result in issues or changes in any of these functions. Pelvic floor dysfunction can look like:
- Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hard flaccid syndrome
- Chronic prostatitis
- Increased urinary urgency and frequency
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinating greater than two times at night
- Weak urine stream or hesitancy starting urination
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Chronic constipation
- Pain or straining with bowel movements
- Scrotal pain
- Tailbone pain
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal pain not otherwise explained
- Anal spasm
- Burning, stinging, numbness or tingling of the genitals, perineum, or urethra
- Pain with sex
- So many others
Pelvic floor dysfunction is commonly misdiagnosed in men and as a result often goes untreated or mistreated. If you're receiving care for any of the symptoms listed above but haven't seen the change you were hoping for, you likely need to consider your pelvic floor as well.
Sources of Pain
The source of pelvic floor dysfunction can vary from person to person and may be related to:
- Benign prostate hypertrophy, Peyronie's disease, prostatitis
- Post-operative effects from abdominal, lumbar, or pelvic surgery
- A change in activity such as increasing your miles on the bike or lifting heavier
- Traumatic injury to the pelvis
- Hernias
- Stress
We can give you the tools to manage all of the above in an environment of mutual respect and dignity. Reach out to us, and we can talk through what you're experiencing and how pelvic PT may be able to help.
What to expect
First, your physical therapist will ask you a series of questions related to your symptoms. We understand that the pelvic floor and associated symptoms with dysfunction are personal and we strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which you feel you can express your symptoms and concerns freely.
Your therapist will evaluate your movement, joints, and muscles surrounding the pelvis and core. If you are an appropriate candidate, your therapist may perform an internal examination of the pelvic floor muscles that are located inside the pelvis to adequately assess how the muscles work together and activate, their strength, ability to relax, and general ability to function appropriately. This part of the assessment is not always indicated and is only performed if you consent and agree it will be helpful.
Often the muscles may require manual therapy to release trigger points or general muscle tightness. Other times the muscles may be weak and under-active, and primarily require strengthening. After your assessment, your therapist will provide you with strategies to address any myofascial restrictions found, manage symptoms, and strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles.