Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men: It's Not Just a Woman’s Issue

When most people think of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), they often associate it with women, especially in relation to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. However, pelvic floor dysfunction is also a significant issue for men—and it's more common than many people realize.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how pelvic floor dysfunction affects men, the symptoms to look out for, and how you can manage and treat this condition to improve your quality of life.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles that form a "hammock" at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles support various organs, including the bladder, rectum, and in men, the prostate. When the pelvic floor muscles become weak, tight, or imbalanced, it can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a wide range of symptoms, from urinary incontinence to sexual dysfunction, and even chronic pelvic pain. The dysfunction can occur in both men and women, but it's often underdiagnosed in men, who may not realize their symptoms are related to the pelvic floor.

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men

Men with pelvic floor dysfunction may experience various symptoms, some of which can be mistaken for other conditions.

Common signs of PFD in men include:

1. Urinary Issues

• Frequent urination: You might feel the need to urinate more often than usual, even if you haven't been drinking more fluids.

• Urinary incontinence: Leakage of urine when sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.

• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder: A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying or needing to go again shortly after using the restroom.

2. Sexual Dysfunction

• Erectile dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

• Painful intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sex, which may result from pelvic floor muscle tension.

• Reduced libido: A decrease in sexual desire or arousal.

3. Chronic Pelvic Pain

• Perineal pain: A dull, aching pain in the area between the scrotum and anus (the perineum).

• Painful ejaculation: Discomfort during or after ejaculation.

• Lower back and hip pain: Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles can cause referred pain in the lower back and hips.

4. Bowel Issues

• Constipation or difficulty passing stool: Pelvic floor dysfunction can make it harder to coordinate the muscles involved in bowel movements.

• Straining during bowel movements: Feeling the need to strain, or being unable to fully relax the pelvic muscles when trying to pass stool.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men?

There are several factors that can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction in men, including:

1. Chronic Prostate Issues: Conditions such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate) can affect pelvic floor muscle function, leading to pain and urinary issues.

2. Surgical Interventions: Surgeries such as prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) for prostate cancer can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

3. Chronic Straining: Heavy lifting, chronic constipation, or frequent coughing (such as from smoking or allergies) can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction.

4. Muscle Imbalances: Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles due to poor posture, lack of exercise, or improper movement patterns can result in dysfunction.

5. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension in the pelvic floor, leading to dysfunction. Men often overlook the connection between stress and pelvic floor health.

6. Aging: As men age, muscle mass and strength naturally decline, including the pelvic floor muscles. This can contribute to problems such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men

The good news is that pelvic floor dysfunction in men is treatable. A comprehensive treatment plan can help improve muscle function, reduce symptoms, and restore overall pelvic health.

Here’s how:

1. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

A specialized pelvic floor physical therapist can assess the strength and function of your pelvic muscles. Through manual therapy, biofeedback, and targeted exercises, they can help restore balance to your pelvic floor muscles.

Key exercises may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle relaxation techniques

• Core strengthening exercises to support pelvic function

• Breathwork to reduce tension and improve muscle coordination

2. Behavioral Modifications

• Bladder training can help men with urinary issues learn how to manage urgency and improve control over their bladder.

• Diet and hydration: Proper hydration and a balanced diet can prevent constipation, which can exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction.

3. Mind-Body Connection

Stress and anxiety can worsen pelvic floor dysfunction. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce tension and improve muscle control.

4. Posture and Movement Education

Learning proper posture and movement mechanics can prevent unnecessary strain on the pelvic floor. Physical therapy can address muscle imbalances and teach you how to use your body in a way that promotes pelvic health.

5. Medications or Injections (if necessary)

For some men, medications or injections may be used to reduce pain or inflammation associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, especially if the cause is related to prostate issues or other medical conditions.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor dysfunction is not just a woman’s issue—it affects men as well, and the symptoms can be debilitating. However, with the right treatment plan, men can experience significant improvement in their pelvic health. If you’re struggling with urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or chronic pelvic pain, it’s time to take action.

At Chippewa Valley Movement, we specialize in treating pelvic floor dysfunction with a holistic, movement-based approach that addresses the root causes of your symptoms. Our expert team can help you restore pelvic floor function, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.

👉 Click here to request a Free Discovery Visit and take the first step toward regaining control of your pelvic health!

Owner Dr. Abe Skaw DC