What About 'ME'n?

Men's HealthPelvic Floor PhysioPelvic Floor PhysiothPelvic Health

Apr. 9

Written by Lindsey Tasker Cole | April 9, 2020

So often when we think about pelvic health, we shift our focus onto women and some of the more obvious pelvic floor related concerns. Ranging from prenatal and postpartum care, bladder/bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, menopause related issues, and the list goes on! Pelvic health is very trendy with social media, and often portrays women as the only recipients of such interventions. With much of the focus on women, it can cast a shadow on male pelvic health, and make it difficult for men to recognize the need for, and/or seek out treatment.

The actual muscular structure of the male pelvic floor is very similar to the female pelvic floor with the primary difference being the external genitalia, and the reproductive organs.

Below are some of the more common pelvic floor dysfunctions for men:

· Bladder incontinence relating to prostate surgery

· Difficulty emptying bladder

· Pelvic pain relating to prostatitis, pelvic floor tightness, or constipation

· Erectile dysfunction or pain after orgasm

Symptoms typically start with something traumatic, like surgery, a work-related injury, or an infection. But that is not always the case, and sometimes it can be from something as basic as prolonged poor posture, continuous work or sporting activity. Pelvic floor dysfunction can refer from the rib cage to the knees. So, it may present as low back or hip pain, but on assessment may actually be stemming coming the pelvic floor.

To make it more even complicated, sometimes the nervous system is at the root of it all. The nervous system (CNS) is sneaky and can sometimes be missed on a traditional exam. When pain isn’t responding to typical pain meds, that can be a sign it is time to look deeper. This can all be very frustrating and isolating for men, as women’s pelvic health receives so much recognition in the medical community.

So, ladies! If you are reading this and think there may be a man in your life that may suffer from some of these symptoms, please urge them to consider pelvic floor physiotherapy. A thorough history and exam may be the missing piece to the some of the struggles they may be experiencing.