Male Pelvic Health

Yes, it's a thing!

While pelvic floor therapy has been around for quite some time, it's really just become popular in the U.S. in the last few years. Because of that, there are a lot of things that people don't know about it. When most of us think of pelvic floor therapy, we probably think of women doing kegels to avoid bladder leaks. But it's so much more than that! And it's beneficial for men too, even though no one really talks about it.

What is male pelvic health, exactly?

Pelvic health is fairly similar between the two sexes. In fact, the muscles in the pelvic floor are the same for men and women, minus a couple additional muscles that women have surrounding the vagina. However, men are more prone to certain pelvic floor issues compared to women.

For example, men more commonly complain of having trouble getting all of the urine out, a slow urine stream, or trouble starting the urine stream. Whereas women often complain about unwanted leakage. Whether you have trouble getting urine out or you have unwanted leakage, each is equally frustrating.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to issues with sexual health. In women, this often shows up as pain with vaginal penetration. For men, this often shows up as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Being sure to maintain your pelvic health will help with urinary, sexual, and bowel function.

When should you seek out pelvic health therapy?

Pelvic health therapists can address a wide range of pelvic issues by focusing on muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region. If you are dealing with any of these five common pelvic issues, you should look into pelvic health therapy.

1. Pelvic Pain - This can be caused by several issues ranging from muscle tension to nerve irritation to post-surgical complications. A pelvic health therapist can not only identify the source of your pain but can provide you with a targeted treatment plan to eliminate the pain.

2. Urinary Changes - Weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles can lead to leakage, an issue no one wants to deal with! Or overly tight pelvic floor muscles can lead to difficulty starting your urine stream, getting all of the urine out, or having dribbling after urination. Pelvic health therapy can help strengthen or lengthen muscles to improve overall bladder health and eliminate these symptoms.

3. Erectile Dysfunction or Premature Ejaculation - While there are many reasons you might struggle with this, pelvic floor dysfunction or tension could be one of them! Pelvic health therapists can address any dysfunction or tension you may have.

4. Chronic Constipation - Pelvic floor muscles play a huge role in constipation struggles. This issue can be addressed in pelvic health therapy.

5. General Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction - Tightness, weakness, or spasms of the pelvic floor muscles are all signs of dysfunction. Pelvic health therapy can help with the coordination and function of these muscles.

While pelvic health may seem, at first thought, like a woman's concern, everyone needs to maintain good pelvic health for great overall health! If you dealing with any of the issues listed or have some other pelvic health concern, seek out a pelvic health therapist today! They are happy to help you deal with whatever struggle or concern you might have.