The Male Pelvic Floor?

Wait, pelvic floor physical therapy is a thing for men too?? YES! Men have pelvic floors too! The deeper muscles of the pelvic floor are the same for people born male v female.

The angles of the muscles differ slightly as male pelvises are more narrow than female pelvises. But other than that the anatomy is the same! The outer muscles do differ more with male v female as the genitalia is different, however there are still similarities. 

Male pelvic floor dysfunction can look similar or very different compared to females. Some pelvic floor dysfunction that men and women may share include leakage, tailbone pain, interstitial cystitis (bladder pain), pudendal neuralgia (pain down there), and diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles).

Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions

Some pelvic floor dysfunctions specific to men include penile or testicular pain and erectile dysfunction. Let’s explore some of these conditions below: 

Leakage in males

Urinary leakage is less likely to occur in males. This is because urine would have to leak past the natural bends in the urinary tract created by the shape of the penis. Leakage can occur due to pelvic floor muscle weakness, prostate issues, and neurological conditions. Fecal leakage is just as likely to occur in males compared to females based on anatomy alone. 

Tailbone pain in males

All of the deep pelvic floor muscles attach to the tailbone. When these muscles become tense or the tailbone itself is damaged, this can result in tailbone pain. This is commonly worse with sitting for a long time. 

Diastasis recti in males

Diastasis recti is most recognized after pregnancy. However this can also happen in males! This can be caused by poor pressure management (breathing, lifting…) and is highly associated with low back pain. 

Penile or testicular pain

Pain in these areas can originate at the pelvic floor muscles. Referral patterns are common. Also, bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome can refer pain to these areas. 

Erectile dysfunction

This can be seen in men of all ages. Sometimes this issue is due to prostate issues. Sometimes this issue can be a result of poor blood flow to the pelvic floor muscles as a secondary effect of muscle tightness or poor posturing. 

In Closing: The Male Pelvic Floor

Men have pelvic floors and can develop pelvic floor dysfunction. For all men and women, we must fully assess both externally and internally to gain insight as to what the problem is and how to fix it.

If you have pelvic floor dysfunction and are ready to solve your problem, reach out to us and speak with one of our Maryland pelvic floor experts today!