When you think about men’s health, certain topics come up again and again: prostate care, heart disease, mental wellbeing — all important. But there’s one essential part of your body that often gets left out of the conversation: your pelvic floor. And no, it’s not just something women need to worry about.
Men have a pelvic floor too, and it plays a critical role in how you function every single day — from going to the toilet, to having sex, to feeling stable and pain-free in your movements. If something isn’t working well “down there,” pelvic health physiotherapy might be exactly what you need.
So what exactly Is the male pelvic floor?
The male pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis. These structures form a kind of hammock that supports several important organs and functions.
Key Functions of the Male Pelvic Floor:
- Urinary Function – Helps control the bladder.
- Bowel Function – Supports healthy bowel movements and prevents leakage.
- Sexual Health – Plays a direct role in erectile function, ejaculation, and orgasm.
- Organ Support – Provides structural support for the bladder, bowel, and prostate.
- Pressure Management – Assists in stabilizing the abdominal and lumbar regions by regulating intra-abdominal pressure.
When these muscles are overactive, underactive, or just not working in coordination, men may experience a range of issues — often quietly, and for far too long.
Common issues pelvic physio can help with, and here’s the thing: a lot of the stuff men deal with quietly (or never mention at all) could be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Stuff like:
- leaking a little when you sneeze, cough, or lift something
- needing to pee all the time — or not being able to hold it
- trouble with erections or pain during/after sex
- issues after prostate surgery (leakage, changes in sensation, etc.)
- pelvic or testicular pain that just won’t go away
- constipation or that annoying “incomplete emptying” feeling
- heaviness or pressure in your lower abdomen or perineum
- mysterious lower back, hip, or tailbone pain
Sound familiar? You’re definitely not the only one — and no, you don’t have to just “live with it.”
What actually happens in pelvic physio?
First off, it’s not just about doing Kegels. And it’s not weird, invasive, or uncomfortable — everything is explained and based on your comfort level. Here’s what a session usually looks like:
- we listen first – you tell us what’s going on, no judgment, no rush
- we assess your body – posture, movement, breathing, muscle coordination
- we make a plan – tailored to your goals, not some generic checklist
- we treat the root, not just the symptoms – and track your progress as we go
Treatment might include hands-on techniques, breathing exercises, pelvic floor retraining, movement guidance, and help with things like posture, toileting, or sex-related concerns.
The goal?
To get you feeling like yourself again — whether that means running without leaking, having sex without stress, or just not worrying where the nearest toilet is.
Who is this for?
In short? Any man with a pelvis. But more specifically:
- younger guys with pain or tension from sports, stress, or lifestyle
- men recovering from prostate surgery
- active men with unexplained hip, groin, or pelvic tightness
- guys dealing with bladder or bowel issues (yes, even minor ones)
- anyone who just feels like something’s “off” down there
There’s no perfect age or reason — if it’s affecting your life, it’s worth checking out.
It’s time we talked about this.
Look, your pelvic floor is just another part of your body — like your heart, your knees, or your lungs. There’s nothing weird or shameful about taking care of it.
In fact, getting help for this kind of stuff:
- It’s smart.
- It’s brave.
- And honestly, it can be life-changing.
Written by Fran Roca, Specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapist