Do men have a pelvic floor?
It’s a common misconception that men don’t have a pelvic floor. Just like women, men have pelvic floors too. There are plenty of ways in which you can relieve pelvic floor symptoms to prevent male pelvic floor dysfunction. We explore the causes, symptoms and treatments below.
Signs of weak pelvic floor male
As your pelvic floor is hidden away inside your body, it's not always easy to tell if it is healthy and strong. By being mindful of symptoms that may suggest weakened pelvic muscles, you can take proactive steps to tackle issues early. Pelvic floor disorders can affect men of any age, so it's always worth keeping an eye on potential signs of weakening.
The most common issues that occur as a result of pelvic floor weakness are:
What are the weak pelvic floor symptoms in males?
Many men suffer from pelvic floor muscle weakness. Just like any other muscle in the body, when pelvic floor muscles aren't regularly exercised, they can lose strength over time. Some signs of a weak pelvic floor in males are listed below:
Urinary leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
An urgent need to relieve your bladder that may also result in leakage.
Accidental leakage of faeces, or difficulty with controlling wind.
The inability to gain or maintain an erection.Post-micturition
Leakage of a few drops of urine after you've finished passing urine.Early ejaculation during sexual activity.
What causes male pelvic floor dysfunction?
The male pelvic floor and its muscles are sensitive and need proper care to remain strong and prevent potential pelvic floor issues from arising. Various factors can cause pelvic floor problems in males, listed below.
A lack of pelvic floor exercise
Just like any other muscle, if you do not work out your pelvic floor its strength will deteriorate. These essential muscles are not strengthened through traditional exercises, in fact most common exercises actually weaken them. So you need to make Kegels part of your routine.
Poor physical fitness
A lack of regular exercise, or being overweight, can lead to excess strain on your pelvic floor muscles, as the weight adds unnecessary pressure.
Constipation
Straining to empty your bowels can, in turn, put a strain on your pelvic floor muscles as your abdomen pushes down.
Heavy lifting
Straining your body to lift heavy objects can strain your pelvic floor muscles. Ensure that if you do have to lift a large object, you do so correctly.
A lasting cough
A chronic cough from smoking, bronchitis, or asthma, can stretch your pelvic floor muscles, their nerve supply and supporting tissues.
Prostate gland surgery
Certain prostate treatments, such as pelvic radiation therapy or prostate removal (radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate TURP), can affect the pelvic floor and its delicate nerve supply.
Sources
Hut, J., Heide, W., Kollen, B., Messelink, B., Blanker, M., Dekker, J. (2017) Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy or Alpha-Blocking Agents for Treatment of Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Urology. 24(6).
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals (2018) Pelvic Floor Exercises for Men [online]. NHS [viewed 01/08/2018]. Available from http://www.newcastle-hospitals.org.uk/services/therapy-services_treatment-and-medication_pelvic-floor-exercises-for-men.aspx.
NHS (2014) A Guide to the Pelvic Floor Muscles - Men [online]. NHS [viewed 02/08/2018]. Available from https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/11124Ppelvic.pdf.
Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (2015) Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises and Advice for Men. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Prostate Cancer UK (2014) Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises [online]. Prostate Cancer UK [viewed 01/08/2018]. Available from https://prostatecanceruk.org/media/975926/pelvic_floor_exercises-ifm.pdf.