By Mrs. Adoración Gil - Physiotherapist, specialist in pelvic floor treatment. GUA Urology and Andrology, Gran Canaria
Table of Contents
- What is the male pelvic floor?
- Key functions of the pelvic floor in men
- Symptoms of a weakened or tight pelvic floor
- How to care for and strengthen your pelvic floor?
- When to see a specialized physiotherapist?
- Make an appointment today
What is the male pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and tissues that form a kind of "hammock" at the base of the pelvis. In men, it supports fundamental organs such as the bladder, prostate, rectum and genital structures. Its proper functioning is essential for good urinary, sexual and digestive health.
Key functions of the pelvic floor in men
The pelvic floor is actively involved in:
- Urinary and fecal containment: avoiding involuntary leakage.
- Urination control: allows to start and stop the flow of urine.
- Bladder and prostate support: especially during physical exertion (coughing, laughing, lifting).
- Sexual function: contributes to erection and ejaculation through reflex muscle contractions.
- Prevention of dysfunctions: such as prolapse, chronic pelvic pain or problems after prostate surgery.
Symptoms of a weakened or tight pelvic floor
Both weakness (hypotonia) and excessive tension (hypertonia) of the pelvic floor can cause discomfort:
- Urine leaks when coughing, laughing or straining.
- Sensation of urgency to urinate or incomplete voiding.
- Weak or interrupted urine stream.
- Pain in perineum, testicles or penis.
- Discomfort during or after sex.
- Erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems.
- Prostatodynia or chronic pelvic pain.
- Heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area.
These symptoms are frequent in athletes, men with chronic stress or after prostate surgery.
How to care for and strengthen your pelvic floor?
Strengthening the pelvic floor is not just a matter of "squeezing". It is about improving strength, coordination and control:
- Kegel exercises: specific for men, guided by a physiotherapist.
- Biofeedback and electrical stimulation: if more precise training is required.
- Avoid bad habits: such as holding urine, pushing when urinating or sitting for long hours.
- Improve your posture and breathing: key to good muscle control.
- Avoid chronic constipation: taking care of your diet and intestinal transit.
When to see a specialized physiotherapist?
Consult a male pelvic floor specialist if:
- You have persistent urinary, sexual or digestive symptoms.
- You have undergone urological surgeries (such as prostatectomy).
- You suffer from chronic pelvic pain or prostatodynia.
- You suffer from urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction.
- You are in the process of postoperative rehabilitation.
Proper treatment improves your quality of life, self-esteem and personal relationships.
Make an appointment today
At GUA we have an expert and close team that accompanies you from diagnosis to personalized treatment.
"Your pelvic floor matters too. Taking care of it is taking care of you."
