Male Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening the Male Pelvic Floor: Insights from Physiotherapy

What is the Male Pelvic Floor?

The male pelvic floor is a key, yet often overlooked, part of men’s health. It’s comprised of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and fascia, creating a supportive hammock from the tailbone to the pubic bone. These muscles play vital roles in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and supporting pelvic organs.

Causes of Pelvic Floor Weakness

Pelvic floor muscles can weaken due to a variety of factors, such as chronic straining during bowel movements, ongoing heavy lifting, persistent coughs, being overweight, certain surgeries like prostate removal, and lack of general fitness.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises offer numerous benefits for men, especially in reducing or preventing muscle weakness associated with ageing. They help manage urinary and faecal incontinence, particularly following prostate surgery, and improve bladder control.

Identifying Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles

Recognising weak pelvic floor muscles is crucial. Symptoms include issues with bladder and bowel control, lower back pain, and reduced sexual function. A physiotherapist can utilise tools like real-time ultrasound for muscle function assessment and exercise guidance.

Seeking Professional Help

Visiting a men’s health physiotherapist is the most effective approach to strengthen your pelvic floor. They provide customised exercises, ongoing guidance, and employ techniques like ultrasound to confirm correct muscle targeting.

Additional Tips for Pelvic Floor Health

While undergoing training, it’s beneficial to minimise activities that stress the pelvic floor. This involves avoiding heavy lifting and managing conditions that cause straining, such as constipation and chronic respiratory issues. Keeping a healthy weight is also vital.

Conclusion

Understanding and strengthening the male pelvic floor is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Proper exercises and professional advice can significantly enhance pelvic floor strength, leading to improved bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and life quality.

What to Do? Consult Your Physiotherapist

If you’re experiencing pelvic floor issues, consulting a qualified physiotherapist is vital. They will conduct a thorough assessment, create a personalised exercise programme, and support effective pelvic floor strengthening.