Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not just for women. Many men suffer from weakened pelvic floor muscles and do not realize it. This weakness can have several negative consequences for men, including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and even sexual dysfunction. Men may be embarrassed to seek help for this condition, but there are treatment options available that can help restore the strength of the pelvic floor muscles.
What Causes Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles in Men?
Men do not experience pregnancy or childbirth, which are leading causes of weakened pelvic floor muscles. However, other causes contribute to weak male pelvic muscles. These causes include:
Aging
As men age, their pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken
Prostate surgery
Surgical removal of the prostate can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles
Injuries
Trauma to the pelvis can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles
Heavy lifting
Lifting heavy objects can put a lot of strain on the pelvic floor muscles
Sitting for long periods
Prolonged sitting can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become weak
What Are the Effects of Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles On Men?
Several negative consequences can occur when the pelvic floor muscles become weak in men. Some of these effects include:
Urinary incontinence
Leaking urine involuntarily
Fecal incontinence
Leaking stool involuntarily
Erectile dysfunction
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Low libido
Reduced sex drive
Urinary urgency
The desire for frequent urination.
How Do Men Seek Treatment for Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles?
A pelvic floor physical therapist is the best option to seek treatment for weakened pelvic floor muscles in men. The therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the weakness and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the issue.
Treatment may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback.
Other treatment options include:
Weight loss
Reducing the amount of strain on the pelvic floor muscles by losing weight can help to improve muscle strength.
Kegel exercises
Exercises that focus on contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles can help to improve muscle tone and control.
Medications
Medications help improve muscle strength, such as anticholinergic medications or alpha-blockers.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery can correct damage to the pelvic floor muscles. It would help if you considered surgery last only when all other options are exhausted.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an excellent treatment option for men suffering from weakened pelvic floor muscles. The therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to help improve muscle strength and function. Several other treatment options are available that can help improve the condition.
With the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist, men can regain control over their urinary and sexual function and improve their overall quality of life.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with weakened pelvic floor muscles, talk to your doctor or a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Additional Resources
Mayo Clinic outlining kegel exercises for men.
Healthline article discussing the benefits of kegel exercises for men to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles.
About the Author
Katja Bergin PT is a certified physiotherapist and one of the owners of Bergin Motion. Bergin Motion is a family-run Barrie Physiotherapy Clinic located in Barrie’s Southend. Katja specializes in pelvic floor physiotherapy. Katja works with women and men to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Katja is part of a team at Bergin Motion in Barrie, Ontario that works with all kinds of conditions.
About Bergin Motion
Bergin Motion is a Barrie Physiotherapy Clinic. Bergin Motion offers physiotherapy in Barrie to clients with a wide range of conditions.
The clinic in Barrie specializes in orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health disciplines.
Bergin Motion treats clients both at their clinic and in the comfort of their own home if they cannot travel to the clinic.
Located in the south end of Barrie, Ontario, the physio clinic boasts 9000 sq. ft., with seven treatment rooms and a fully equipped gym.