By Shannon Pacella, PT, DPT
When most people think of pelvic floor muscles, they may automatically associate them with women, especially in the context of childbirth or pelvic health during pregnancy. However, the pelvic floor is just as important for men, playing a crucial role in maintaining core strength, controlling bodily functions like urination and bowel movements, and supporting sexual health.
In this post, we’ll dive into what pelvic floor muscles are, what they do, and why men should care about their pelvic health.
What Are Pelvic Floor Muscles?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a sort of "hammock" or "basket" at the base of the pelvis. They span from the front of the pubic bone to the tailbone and from one side of the pelvis to the other. These muscles support various organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, rectum, and, in men, the prostate.
In simple terms, the pelvic floor muscles are the muscles you would use to control the flow of urine or prevent yourself from passing gas. These muscles are also responsible for a range of other important bodily functions.
The Key Functions of Pelvic Floor Muscles for Men
Bladder and Bowel Control
The pelvic floor muscles are directly involved in urinary and bowel function. They help control the release of urine from the bladder and stool from the rectum. A healthy pelvic floor ensures that these functions are smooth and that there is no unwanted leakage (incontinence), difficulty emptying bladder, or constipation. If the pelvic floor muscles are weak or too tight, it can lead to problems with bladder and bowel control.
Sexual Health and Performance
Pelvic floor muscles also play a role in sexual health. In men, they are key to erectile function and ejaculation. These muscles help in achieving and maintaining an erection by supporting the blood vessels that fill with blood during arousal. Additionally, the pelvic floor muscles are used during ejaculation and can affect ejaculation strength.
Core Stability and Posture
The pelvic floor muscles contribute significantly to core stability. The pelvic floor is part of the deep core system, working in tandem with the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, and the muscles of the lower back. A healthy pelvic floor helps with posture, balance, and stability. This is particularly important for men who engage in physical activities or have physically demanding jobs.
Support for Pelvic Organs
For men, the pelvic floor supports important organs such as the bladder, rectum, and prostate. If the pelvic floor muscles become weak, they may not provide sufficient support to these organs, which can result in pelvic organ prolapse or other health issues.
How Can Men Address Their Pelvic Floor Health?
Men can improve their pelvic health with pelvic floor physical therapy. A pelvic floor therapist is a trained professional who can assess the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
At Wellest Integrative Health, we are well versed in treating all pelvic health concerns, including ones specific to male patients.
Some common symptoms we can help with:
Pelvic Pain including Penile Pain, Scrotal/Testicular Pain, Anal/Rectal Pain
Coccygodynia (tailbone pain)
Erectile Dysfunction
Painful Erection / Ejaculation
Urinary Frequency / Urgency / Hesitancy / Retention / Post Void Dribbling
Constipation
Some common diagnoses we can help with:
Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Pudendal Neuralgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Post Prostatectomy Rehab
Treatment Techniques in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Manual Therapy
A trained pelvic floor physical therapist may perform hands-on techniques to release muscle tension and address any myofascial pain in and around the pelvic region.
Functional Retraining
Teaching proper ways to urinate and have bowel movements to prevent excessive straining. Breathing techniques to help address pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Patients may also learn strategies for incorporating pelvic floor exercises into daily life, such as while lifting, walking, or sitting. This holistic approach aims to restore functionality and prevent future complications.
Kegel Exercises
These are pelvic floor muscle contractions designed to strengthen the muscles that control urination. Regular practice can improve bladder control and help with incontinence issues. *note that kegels are not the answer to all pelvic floor issues, please seek guidance of a pelvic floor physical therapist to learn if kegels are necessary for you.
Core Strengthening
In addition to pelvic floor exercises, therapists often recommend strengthening exercises for the abdominal and lower back muscles. A strong core can help improve posture, pelvic alignment, and overall stability.
Wellest Integrative Health also has a nurse practitioner on staff, Kathy Kates, who can address erectile dysfunction, low libido, and pelvic pain concerns with medication options.
Conclusion
Men’s health often focuses on issues like heart health, muscle strength, and mental well-being, but pelvic floor health is just as essential. The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in urinary, bowel, and sexual health, as well as overall core stability and posture. By being mindful of pelvic health, men can prevent or address a variety of issues and enjoy a higher quality of life. Caring for your pelvic floor is an important part of any wellness routine.
Are you experiencing any pain, disfunction, or other symptoms? Click below to contact us so we can help you get back to feeling your best!
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