Pelvic floor dysfunction is a problem common to both men and women, although it is more of an unrecognized issue in men due to a lack of awareness. This group of pelvic floor muscles is important for supporting organs, bladder and bowel control maintenance, and healthy sexual function. Problems manifest once the muscles become weakened or tightened.
In this blog, we will discuss the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction in males as well as effective ways to overcome them.
Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men
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Chronic Straining
Repeated straining during bowel movements, usually caused by constipation, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Continuous pressure over time may lead to pain, difficulty during bowel movement, or even urinary incontinence.
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Prolonged Sitting
Sedentary lifestyles, particularly jobs that involve long hours of sitting, place continuous pressure on the pelvic region. This inactivity reduces blood flow to the area, contributing to muscle stiffness and poor pelvic health. This affects the pelvic floor male health.
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Trauma or Injury
Injury to the direct pelvic area, such as any sports injury or surgeries of the prostate can cause distortion to the muscles and nerves, causing dysfunction. This may cause ongoing pain, reduced mobility, or complications with bladder and sexual functions.
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Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles
Sometimes, the pelvic floor muscles become overactive, remaining in a constant state of tension. This heightened tension often causes discomfort, difficulty in relaxing the muscles, and symptoms like pelvic pain or frequent urination.
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Stress and Anxiety
Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, including in the pelvic floor. When stress persists, it creates a cycle of physical and mental strain, worsening dysfunction and its symptoms.
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Aging and Muscle Weakness
As a man ages, muscles naturally weaken, including those along the pelvic floor. Weakening of the muscles may cause less supporting force for the pelvic organs, leading to conditions such as prolapse or urinary leakage.
How to Address Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
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Physical Therapy
The foundation of therapy is pelvic floor physical therapy. Speciaziled therapists are trained to evaluate and treat pelvic floor male conditions based on manual therapy, trigger point release, and other guided exercises by improving functionality and muscle balance.
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Kegel Exercises
Kegels are exercises that specifically target the pelvic floor muscles. Men may improve their muscle tone and treat symptoms such as urinary leakage and impotence by contracting and relaxing the muscles in charge of urination.
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Biofeedback Training
Biofeedback refers to the use of sensors, which give real-time feedback on your muscle activity, teaching men how to contract and relax muscles in the pelvic floor. This is especially effective for overactive muscles.
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Relaxation Techniques
Since stress directly affects the pelvic floor, relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can reduce muscle tension and general well-being.
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Lifestyle Changes
• Dietary Measures: A high-fibre diet can help prevent constipation, which would decrease the strain on the pelvic floor.
• Exercise: In general, regular physical activity improves blood flow and reinforces the muscles, thus providing good benefits to the pelvis.
• Support for Ergonomics: In an office job, seat support helps minimize long-term pressure on the pelvic region in males.
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Medications and Pain Management
For men with chronic pelvic pain or inflammation, medications may include muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these must never be used without consulting a doctor.
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Surgical Treatments
In more severe cases, such as in the presence of structural dysfunction resulting in dysfunction, surgery might be available. Procedures are usually considered an ultimate resort when nothing else works.
Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Prevention is the best cure. Here are a few tips:
• Maintain an optimal weight to minimize pressure on the pelvic floor.
• Avoid straining over extended periods when opening your bowels.
• Stay hydrated and keep a well-balanced diet.
• Regular low-impact exercises must be done in order to strengthen and gain flexibility in the pelvic area.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor dysfunction may be considered to be curable, even for males who may be afraid to report it. The core reasons may be treated with therapy as well as practising exercises and changing lifestyle habits, offering a big remedy for quality of life.
If you have any pelvic floor problems, expert advice will make all the difference. Dr. Leena Daware is a senior physiotherapist at the Sion LTMG Hospital, Mumbai, who specializes in pelvic rehabilitation. She consults top specialists and designs personalized treatment plans that bring maximum results. Given her years of experience, you can rely on her expertise in handling difficult cases with care and precision.
