Why are pelvic floor muscles important for men?
The pelvic floor muscles extend from the pubic bone to the coccyx and along the inner walls of the pelvis, forming a broad muscular support across the base of the pelvis. The sphincters (valves) at the base of the bladder and beneath the prostate gland help prevent urine leakage, while the anal sphincter maintains bowel control.
Additionally, parts of the pelvic floor muscles “wrap around” these valves, helping them stay closed.
Therefore, the pelvic floor muscles are extremely important for controlling the bladder and bowel. These muscles help prevent urinary, fecal, or gas incontinence. They also allow the expulsion of urine and feces from the body. Furthermore, pelvic floor muscles help maintain erections and prevent premature ejaculation – conditions that affect men of all ages. Exercises targeting these muscles can significantly help manage such sexual dysfunctions.
When do pelvic floor muscles weaken or malfunction in men?
After prostate surgery, such as prostatectomy or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – a surgical procedure in which part of the prostate gland is removed through the urethra – the pelvic floor muscles and the nerve bundles connected to the prostate may be affected. Similar effects may result from bowel/anal surgeries or pelvic radiation.
Lack of physical activity, absence of regular exercise, or excess body weight can lead to weakening of muscle tone and stretching of the pelvic floor muscles.
Chronic constipation, prolonged heavy lifting, or chronic coughing may also injure the pelvic floor muscles, nearby nerve bundles, and connective tissues.
Certain health conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke, and diabetes, may also have similar effects on the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues.
Injury to the perineum – the area between the base of the penis and the rectum – due to prolonged pressure or strong impact may also lead to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, nerves, and connective tissues.
Possible symptoms and signs
Involuntary urine leakage (incontinence), urgent need to urinate or defecate, post-void dribbling, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation are some of the symptoms that may lead a man to consult a specialized physiotherapist. After diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction, the physiotherapist can design a therapeutic exercise program to strengthen these muscles.
In many cases, urinary problems or sexual dysfunction lead the patient to a urologist who may not detect inflammation and may diagnose atypical prostatitis. However, the issue may actually stem from pelvic floor dysfunction. A physiotherapist can provide appropriate therapeutic exercises and effectively address the symptoms.
Therapeutic exercise properly activates the pelvic floor muscles
During pelvic floor muscle training, it is very important to correctly activate the appropriate muscles. For this reason, the physiotherapist must train the patient to understand which muscles they are activating, how strongly, and how to strengthen them without causing strain or applying incorrect pressure. A series of monitoring techniques can help ensure that the patient performs the exercises correctly.
Consult the specialized physiotherapists of PT PRAXIS to investigate the causes of your symptoms and incorporate therapeutic exercise into your daily routine. This will not only prevent symptom worsening but also contribute to their effective treatment.
Source: Physical Therapy PRAXIS, POGP (Pelvic Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy)
