The Role of the Pelvic Floor in the Male Population and How Physical Therapy Can Help!

When we think about pelvic health, we often imagine issues that affect women, like pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. However, pelvic floor dysfunction is not exclusive to women; it can significantly impact men as well. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder, bowel, and, for men, the prostate. A healthy pelvic floor is essential for a wide range of bodily functions, including urinary and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability.

We’ll explore the role of the pelvic floor in the male population, the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction, and how physical therapy can help. 

Understanding the Male Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor muscles form a supportive hammock that spans the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles are responsible for:

• Supporting pelvic organs: The bladder, bowel, and for men, the prostate gland, are all supported by the pelvic floor muscles.

• Urinary and bowel control: The pelvic floor helps control the release of urine and feces by relaxing and contracting at the appropriate times.

• Sexual function: The pelvic floor muscles contribute to erectile function and ejaculation control.

• Core stability: The pelvic floor works in tandem with the abdominal, lower back, and diaphragm muscles to provide core stability and balance.

In men, pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to various issues, such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and even chronic low back pain. The pelvic floor may become weakened or overstretched due to several factors, including:

• Aging: As men age, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken, leading to reduced function.

• Prostate surgery: Men who have undergone prostate surgery, such as a prostatectomy for prostate cancer, may experience damage to the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in incontinence or sexual dysfunction.

• Chronic coughing or straining: Conditions that cause chronic coughing (e.g., asthma, smoking-related diseases) or straining during bowel movements can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to pelvic floor weakness, as well as poor posture and core stability.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men

Pelvic floor dysfunction in men is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to the stigma associated with pelvic health issues. Many men are reluctant to seek help for symptoms like urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or pelvic pain, assuming these issues are a normal part of aging or something they must live with. However, pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable, and physical therapy can play a critical role in improving quality of life.

Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in men include:

• Urinary issues: Incontinence, frequent urination, or difficulty starting or stopping urination.

• Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, or painful erections.

• Pelvic pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, or groin.

• Lower back pain: Often associated with poor pelvic floor muscle function, which can lead to compensatory muscle patterns.

• Painful ejaculation: Some men experience discomfort or pain during ejaculation due to pelvic floor muscle tightness.

How Physical Therapy Can Help!

Physical therapy, specifically pelvic floor physical therapy, is a proven and effective treatment for addressing pelvic floor dysfunction in men. A pelvic floor physical therapist is specially trained to assess the pelvic floor and its relationship to the rest of the body, including posture, core stability, and breathing patterns.

Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to:

• Strengthen weakened pelvic floor muscles: Targeted exercises help improve muscle tone, increase strength, and restore proper function.

• Release tight muscles: Pelvic floor muscle tightness can cause pain and discomfort. Physical therapy can involve techniques like manual therapy and stretching to release tension and improve flexibility.

• Improve coordination: Pelvic floor muscles need to contract and relax in a coordinated manner. A physical therapist can help retrain the muscles to function properly, enhancing urinary, bowel, and sexual function.

• Provide education and self-care strategies: Physical therapists teach patients how to manage their symptoms, perform exercises independently, and make lifestyle changes that support pelvic health.

Exercises to Try

Here are two exercises that can help strengthen and improve pelvic floor function. Always consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist before beginning a new exercise routine, especially if you have specific health concerns.

1. Frog Stretch

The frog stretch is a fantastic exercise for improving pelvic floor flexibility and relieving tension in the inner thighs, hips, and pelvic region. It can also help release tightness in the pelvic floor muscles, which is often a key contributor to pelvic pain and discomfort.

How to do the Frog Stretch:

• Begin by kneeling on the floor with your knees wide apart and your feet together. Your toes should be pointing outward, and your hips should be aligned over your knees.

• Slowly lower your torso towards the floor, bringing your elbows down for support. Keep your back straight and focus on deep, relaxed breathing.

• As you lower your body, you should feel a gentle stretch along the inner thighs and the pelvic floor area.

• Hold the position for 20-30 seconds, then slowly rise back to the starting position.

• Repeat the stretch 3-5 times, focusing on relaxing the pelvic floor muscles as you breathe deeply.

2. Bridge Exercise

The bridge exercise helps strengthen the pelvic floor along with the glutes and core, contributing to overall pelvic stability.

How to do a Bridge:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.

• Engage your pelvic floor muscles as you press through your heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling, creating a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.

• Hold for 5 seconds at the top, then slowly lower your hips back to the floor.

• Repeat 10-15 times for 3 sets.

• Focus on keeping your core engaged and avoiding overarching your lower back.

Conclusion

The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in male health, supporting urinary, bowel, and sexual function, as well as providing core stability. Pelvic floor dysfunction in men can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing symptoms, but it is treatable. Physical therapy, especially pelvic floor therapy, is an effective treatment that can help strengthen weakened muscles, alleviate pain, and improve overall quality of life.

Incorporating pelvic floor exercises into a regular fitness routine is an excellent way to maintain pelvic health and prevent dysfunction. If you're experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, don't hesitate to seek help from a physical therapist trained in pelvic health. With the right treatment, most men can experience significant improvement and regain control over their pelvic health.

If you are struggling with one of these issues, or don’t know if physical therapy can help, we would love to help. We can help you understand your issue and whether physical therapy might be helpful. Contact us here to schedule a free phone consultation.