Pelvic floor therapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. While this therapy is often associated with women’s health, it is also an important treatment option for men.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and prostate. These muscles are essential for maintaining urinary and bowel control, sexual function, and overall pelvic health. However, like any muscle group, the pelvic floor muscles can become weak or dysfunctional, leading to a range of symptoms and conditions.

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men

Common pelvic floor disorders in men include urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, anal leakage, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, such as surgery, trauma, chronic constipation, aging, or a sedentary lifestyle. While medication and surgery may be appropriate treatments in some cases, pelvic floor therapy offers a non-invasive and effective alternative or complement to it.

The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men

The benefits of pelvic floor therapy for men include improved bladder control and bowel function, along with reduced pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. For men with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, pelvic floor therapy can improve blood flow and nerve function, leading to better sexual function. Additionally, pelvic floor therapy may help prevent future pelvic floor disorders from developing.

Some of the benefits of PFPT include:

• Improved urinary control
• Reduced pain
• Improved sexual function
• Increased bladder capacity
• Reduced frequency of urination
• Improved quality of life
• Improved control of bowels

What Causes Pelvic Floor Problems?

There are many things that can cause male pelvic floor problems, including:

• Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
• Chronic constipation: This can strain the pelvic floor muscles.
• Smoking: Smoking can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
• Nerve damage: This can occur from surgery, injury, or disease.  We often see patients before and after prostate cancer surgery or testicular cancer surgery to help aid in a full recovery.

What to Expect at Your Pelvic Floor Therapy Appointment

Pelvic floor therapy for men involves a series of exercises, stretches, and manual techniques designed to improve the strength, coordination, and flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles. Your physical therapist may use biofeedback, which involves using sensors to monitor muscle activity, to help you learn how to properly engage and relax your pelvic floor muscles. In addition to physical therapy, your physical therapist may also provide education on diet, hydration, and lifestyle changes that can support pelvic floor health.

It is important to note that pelvic floor therapy for men is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Each patient’s treatment plan will be tailored to their specific needs and symptoms. Some men may require more intensive therapy or longer-term treatment, while others may see significant improvement after just a few sessions.

Pelvic floor therapy is a valuable treatment option for men with pelvic floor disorders. By improving muscle function and promoting overall pelvic health, this therapy can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, or other pelvic floor symptoms, pelvic floor therapy can help.

Call or text us for an appointment or schedule online.  If you have questions or concerns you would like to have addressed before making an appointment, we offer free 15-minute phone consultations.  Call or Text us at 402-740-8400.