While women’s health often garners significant attention, particularly in areas like reproductive and pelvic health, men’s pelvic health remains a lesser-discussed topic. However, growing research indicates that men should also prioritize this crucial aspect of their wellbeing. According to Dr. Shan Morrison, a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, the understanding of men’s pelvic health has only begun to develop in the past 15 years.
“For a long time, we just applied what we knew about women to men, and that did not work. There are similarities, but there are differences,” Morrison explains. This evolving field highlights the importance of the pelvic floor—a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that plays a vital role in bowel, bladder, and sexual function for men.
The Importance of Men’s Pelvic Health
Dr. David Cowley, men’s health clinical stream leader at Active Rehabilitation Physiotherapy, emphasizes the significance of pelvic health, especially in the context of prostate cancer, which accounts for about 28% of cancers diagnosed in males. Post-surgical recovery, particularly after a prostatectomy, can lead to pelvic-related issues such as incontinence.
Beyond cancer-related concerns, maintaining pelvic health is essential for general wellbeing. Simple exercises can improve erectile function and prevent conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures from worsening. “If men want to improve their erectile function or stop that little dribble at the end of urination, pelvic floor muscle training can help with that,” Cowley notes.
Recognizing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects approximately one in eight men, with symptoms ranging from urinary or fecal incontinence to erectile dysfunction. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and post-prostatectomy incontinence are among the most common conditions treated in clinics. Morrison refers to CPPS as the “black hole of men’s health” due to its complexity and the lack of comprehensive research.
CPPS affects about 7.8% of Australian men, with symptoms including pain while sitting and discomfort from the belly button to the perineum and buttocks.
Prostate cancer treatments often lead to unexpected side effects, such as incontinence. Morrison highlights that men are frequently unprepared for these changes, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Emerging research, however, suggests that preoperative muscle training can mitigate these symptoms and improve post-operative recovery.
Causes and Treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Stress is a leading cause of pelvic floor issues, as it activates the fight or flight response, causing muscle tension. “The pelvic floor muscles, interestingly, are one of the first ones that get tension in them,” Morrison explains. In high-stress environments, such as Wall Street, there has been an increase in referrals for pelvic floor issues, linked to prolonged periods of sitting and occupational stress.
While overtraining with weights may also contribute to pelvic floor problems, data on this is limited. Morrison emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment, considering both psychosocial and physical factors. “We will look at the whole person, and see if their nervous system’s contributing … their thoughts and feelings and what’s happening in the world around them.”
Seeking Help and Treatment Options
Morrison urges men experiencing pelvic health issues to seek professional help, as these problems rarely resolve on their own. “A lot of men are a bit scared they might need surgery, but the vast majority of the time, we can help just by improving pelvic-floor muscle function,” she reassures.
Cowley recommends exercises that involve visualization and muscle engagement, such as imagining drawing the penis in or stopping and starting the flow of urine without actually urinating. These exercises can significantly enhance pelvic muscle function and alleviate symptoms.
The growing awareness and research into men’s pelvic health signify a shift in understanding and addressing these issues. As more men become aware of the importance of pelvic health, the hope is that they will seek the necessary support and interventions to maintain their overall wellbeing.
