Why Men Shouldn't Ignore Their Pelvic Floors

When we talk about pelvic floor health, most people think of women, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause. But the truth is, men have pelvic floors too, and just like any other part of the body, this group of muscles plays a crucial role in day-to-day function. Unfortunately, many men are unaware of their pelvic floor until something goes wrong, often showing up as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, constipation, or pelvic pain.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, fascia, and connective tissue that sits like a hammock at the base of your pelvis. It supports vital organs like the bladder, bowel, and prostate, and works closely with the deep abdominal, back, and hip muscles to maintain core stability, sexual function, and continence.

In men, the pelvic floor:

• Controls urination and bowel movements

• Supports erections and ejaculation

• Plays a role in posture and breathing

Common Pelvic Floor Issues in Men

1. Urinary Incontinence

Loss of bladder control is more common than most men realise, especially after prostate surgery (such as a prostatectomy), or with age. Men may leak urine when coughing, sneezing, or lifting—known as stress incontinence—or experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate with little warning (urge incontinence).

Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to poor bladder control, but targeted pelvic floor training can significantly reduce or eliminate leakage.

2. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The pelvic floor muscles help maintain blood flow and rigidity during erections. If these muscles are weak or uncoordinated, blood may not be efficiently held in the penis, leading to difficulty getting or sustaining an erection.

Research shows that pelvic floor muscle training is a safe and effective treatment for ED, especially when combined with other lifestyle modifications such as exercise and quitting smoking.

3. Constipation and Bowel Straining

Chronic constipation isn’t always about what you eat—sometimes it's about how the pelvic floor functions. Tight or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles can make it difficult to fully relax during bowel movements, leading to straining, incomplete emptying, or even haemorrhoids.

Addressing this requires a mix of pelvic floor relaxation, good toilet posture, breathing techniques, and the use of a toilet stool. 

 

4. Pelvic Pain

Persistent pain in the perineum, lower abdomen, penis, or around the anus can be a sign of pelvic floor tension or dysfunction, sometimes diagnosed as chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). This type of pain can have a huge impact on mental health, intimacy, and daily comfort.

A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help identify muscular triggers, breathing patterns, and tension habits that contribute to pain, and provide hands-on release techniques, movement, and home strategies.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men?

• Prostate surgery

• Heavy lifting or poor gym technique

• Chronic coughing or straining

• Poor posture

• Stress and anxiety (which leads to overactivity and tension)

• Sedentary lifestyle

• High-impact sports or cycling

• Trauma to the pelvis or back

How a Pelvic Floor Physio Can Help

Men often delay seeking help, but pelvic floor physiotherapy is not just for women. A trained physio can:

• Teach correct pelvic floor activation and relaxation

• Guide you through a personalised exercise program

• Help manage bladder or bowel issues

• Improve sexual function and confidence

• Support recovery after prostate surgery

• Address pain, tension, and muscle imbalances in the pelvis and core

Ignoring your pelvic floor won’t make symptoms go away and early intervention is key to preventing long-term problems. Whether you're dealing with leaks, trouble in the bedroom, gut issues, or pain, help is available.