Men’s Pelvic Health: It’s More Common Than Most People Realize

Pelvic floor dysfunction in men is more common than many people realize.

June is Men’s Health Month, which makes it a good time to talk about a topic that is often overlooked: pelvic health in men.

When people hear the term “pelvic floor,” many assume it only applies to women.

But men have pelvic floors too!

And pelvic floor dysfunction in men is much more common than most people realize.

At Well Being Physical Therapy, we work with men experiencing symptoms that are often confusing, frustrating, and difficult to talk about. Many people have been searching for answers for a long time before realizing the pelvic floor may be involved.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis that contribute to:
• bladder function
• bowel function
• sexual health
• breathing and pressure management
• core and hip coordination

These muscles work together with the abdomen, diaphragm, hips, spine, and nervous system during everyday movement and activity.

When the pelvic floor is not functioning well, symptoms can show up in ways people do not immediately connect to the pelvis.

Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men

Symptoms may include:
• pelvic pain
• tailbone pain
• testicular pain
• urinary urgency or frequency
• difficulty emptying the bladder
• constipation
• pain after sitting
• pain with exercise
• painful ejaculation
• erectile dysfunction

Some men spend years searching for answers, and are often diagnosed with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome when the symptoms may also involve muscle tension, movement patterns, breathing mechanics, stress responses, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Is Not Always Straightforward

Many men assume pelvic floor problems simply mean the muscles are weak.

Sometimes weakness is part of the issue. But symptoms can also involve overworking muscles, poor coordination, difficulty relaxing, breathing and pressure management issues, pain, stress, mobility restrictions, or movement patterns that have developed over time.

This can happen after:
• chronic stress
• injuries
• surgery
• heavy lifting
• chronic pain
• prolonged sitting
• athletic overtraining

For some people, symptoms have been building gradually for years before the body starts signaling that something is not functioning well.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor physical therapy is individualized based on symptoms, history, lifestyle, and goals.

Treatment may include:
• breathing and pressure management
• mobility work
• pelvic floor coordination training
• core and hip strengthening
• bladder and bowel strategies
• posture and movement retraining
• manual therapy
• return to exercise guidance

The goal is not simply to strengthen one group of muscles.

The goal is improving how the body functions together as a system.

Pelvic Health Is Part of Whole Body Health

A lot of men delay getting help because these symptoms can feel embarrassing, isolating, or difficult to discuss.

Pelvic floor dysfunction in men is common, treatable, and often responds well to individualized care.

Many people feel relieved simply understanding why symptoms have been happening in the first place.

Men’s Pelvic Floor Therapy in Utah

At Well Being Physical Therapy, we help men throughout Utah better understand pelvic floor dysfunction and build treatment plans designed to improve function, reduce pain, and support long term recovery.

Call us today to get started on your recovery!