Pelvic floor problems are often associated with women but can also affect men. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel, and prostate. When these muscles become weak or dysfunctional, it can lead to various problems for men, including urinary and bowel incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and pelvic pain.
Despite the prevalence of these issues, many men are hesitant to discuss them with their healthcare providers or seek treatment, as these problems can be uncomfortable. However, it's essential to understand that pelvic floor problems are common and can be effectively treated through physical therapy. Our pelvic health therapists at EW Motion Therapy create individualized treatment plans for each client so they can relieve pain and work toward their goals. Even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on for our discussion of what pelvic floor problems look like in men and how physical therapy can help.
What do pelvic floor problems look like in men?
Pelvic floor problems in men can present in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms include:
- Urinary incontinence: Men with weak pelvic floor muscles may experience urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, or laughing. They may also have difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
- Bowel incontinence: Pelvic floor dysfunction can also lead to involuntary leakage of stool or gas.
- Erectile dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles play a role in achieving and maintaining an erection. Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Pelvic pain: Men with pelvic floor problems may experience pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, including the genitals, anus, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus).
- Prostatitis: Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland and can result in pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and sexual dysfunction.
Why don't more men discuss pelvic floor problems?
As mentioned, many men feel embarrassed to discuss pelvic floor problems with their healthcare providers. This can be compounded by the perception that these issues are rare or only affect women. However, research has shown that up to 25% of men may experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point.
Another factor that may contribute to underreporting these issues is the lack of awareness and education about pelvic floor health for men. Many men may not know that these problems are related to their pelvic floor muscles or that effective treatment options are available.
How can physical therapy help?
Physical therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment option for pelvic floor problems in men. A pelvic floor physical therapist can work with men to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include the following:
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to improve strength, muscle coordination, and mobility.
- Biofeedback: This technique uses sensors to provide real-time feedback on the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, helping men to improve their muscle control.
- Manual therapy: A physical therapist may use massage or trigger point release techniques to address muscle tension or trigger points in the pelvic floor.
- Lifestyle modifications: A physical therapist may also guide lifestyle changes such as diet or exercise that can improve pelvic floor function.
If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor problems, the first step is to talk to your healthcare provider. While it can be uncomfortable to discuss these issues, it's important to remember that healthcare providers are trained professionals and have likely seen these problems before. They can provide a diagnosis and refer him to a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist.
Pelvic floor physical therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating pelvic floor dysfunction. They can assess the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and develop a personalized treatment plan to address any issues.
To find a pelvic floor physical therapist, you can ask your healthcare provider for a referral or search for a therapist in your area using online directories such as the American Physical Therapy Association or the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of all ages and genders, including men, and can significantly impact the quality of life. The good news is that there are treatment options to improve your pelvic health and allow you to return to the activities you love. Physical therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for these issues, and men should feel empowered to seek help from a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist. By breaking down the barriers to discussion and treatment, we can improve the quality of life for men with pelvic floor dysfunction. We consider it a privilege to help our clients achieve their goals and relieve pain at EW Motion Therapy. If you are curious about what else pelvic floor physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently-asked pelvic floor questions.
