To discuss men’s health you first have to acknowledge that men too have pelvic floor muscles! Often, this area of the body is commonly associated with women, pregnancy, and birth. However, there are a variety of common issues that affect men and their pelvic floors.
Broadly, men’s health is the optimal functioning and health of a man throughout his lifespan. One part of this functioning is related to the pelvic region. In men, the pelvic floor has three main functions: bladder function, bowel function, and sexual function (1). The role of the pelvic floor is to contract or relax in response to any of these activities. These muscles also help coordinate with the lower back, abdominal and hip muscles during daily activity and sport. There is both voluntary and involuntary control of the pelvic floor muscles, depending on the type of activity.
Conditions that affect the male pelvic floor can occur in three categories: pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
- Pain can occur throughout the pelvis, lower back, testicles, penis, abdomen, and hip regions.
- Erectile dysfunction and pain during or after sexual activity can both contribute to the sexual dysfunction domain.
- Finally, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can contribute to bowel or bladder difficulties, incontinence and pain during voiding.
Physical therapy can be helpful for all three domains that center around men’s pelvic health. If you would like more information about men’s pelvic health, please contact Matthew Johnston PT, DPT at matthew@setptusa.com . Free screenings are also available to more thoroughly discuss how these issues may be related to your condition.
The role of pelvic floor muscles in male sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain. Cohen et. al. Sexual Medicine Reviews
