Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the pelvic floor is not in good health, potentially leading to pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and bowel issues.
Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms in males
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in males will present as the following:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pelvic pain
- Bladder leaks and male incontinence
- Prolapsed anus
- SI joint pain
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction includes the inability to get an erection as well as getting a soft erection. Men can experience erectile dysfunction from pelvic pain, having a lack of blood flow to the penis, various psychological barriers, or for many other reasons. Identifying and treating the main source(s) of erectile dysfunction is pivotal in treating and correcting it.
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is typically localized in and around the sexual reproductive or anal areas. The cause of pelvic pain can stem from either physical issues such as a tight pelvic floor, or even psychological challenges. Internal treatment by a pelvic floor therapist can help to significantly decrease and even resolve pelvic pain symptoms.
Bladder leaks and male incontinence
Men can experience incontinence, too. Weak pelvic floor muscles that are not adequately coordinated can lead to loss of urine or “peeing yourself”. Working on pelvic floor strengthening and coordination with specialized exercises can however strengthen the muscles that open and close the urethra, leading to improved bladder control over time.
Prolapsed anus
A prolapsed anus is when the anal cavity starts to fall out of the body due to weakening of the structures that hold it in. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help to reverse a prolapsed anus, by pulling the structure back inside the body.
SI joint pain
There are several important joints around the pelvic floor, with the SI joint being one of them. Dysfunction at the pelvic floor can cause an instability and pain that is felt all throughout the hips and back. Treating both internally at the pelvic floor and externally will give the best results for recovery from SI joint pain.
Pelvic floor dysfunction treatment
Pelvic floor therapy is specialized treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction that targets or prevents conditions related to weak pelvic muscles or improper functioning pelvic muscles. Through the strengthening or lengthening of these muscles, symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can be alleviated and even corrected.
Pelvic floor therapy helps to improve the lifestyle and day to day of clients. It can even have a tremendous positive impact on quality of life for those experiencing more complex cases.
Male pelvic floor therapy
For men, pelvic floor therapy is somewhat of a taboo and unfamiliar topic that’s not as openly discussed or treated in comparison to women; even though many live with and suffer through a range of pelvic dysfunctions that have damaging effects on their lives.
Men who seek help for symptoms related to pelvic floor health often hold preconceived and false notions that their symptoms are to be kept a secret. However, untreated pelvic floor issues can lead to constant and severe pain, incontinence,prolapses, bladder and bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, and even mental health issues.
It’s important to recognize that support and treatments are also available to men through the pelvic health community, so let’s get the conversation started.
Pelvic floor physio assessment Saskatoon
Pelvic floor physiotherapists have specialized training in pelvic floor function and in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. It is important that anyone experiencing or suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction recognizes that physiotherapy support and treatment for their symptoms is available and it does not need to be a day to day or lifelong stress that they carry.
My name is Scott Golding and I am a certified pelvic health therapist. I have a special interest in male pelvic health and rehabilitation. My goals include becoming a strong support and resource for men as it relates to pelvic and general health. I will continue to work alongside the pelvic health community to reduce and remove any stigma associated with male pelvic health, so men become more comfortable seeking help.
If you would like to book an initial pelvic floor physio assessment, please call Movement Chiropractic at 306-244-6121.