Why More Men Are Turning to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

When many people hear the term "pelvic floor physical therapy," they often think of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or women's health. But believe it or not, men have pelvic floors too!  And pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly impact quality of life, leading to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and depression.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that forms a supportive sling at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles help control bladder and bowel function, support pelvic organs, contribute to sexual health, and work alongside the abdominal and back muscles to provide stability.

When these muscles become too tight, too weak, poorly coordinated, or painful, a variety of symptoms can develop. Some common pelvic health problems men encounter are…

Urinary Symptoms

• Urinary urgency or frequency

• Difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream

• Feeling like the bladder doesn't completely empty or dribbling after urination

• Leakage or incontinence, especially after prostate surgery

Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain can affect the lower abdomen, testicles, penis, tailbone, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus). Some men experience discomfort while sitting, exercising, during or after intercourse, or even during everyday activities. This issue was highlighted in a Bloomberg article in June of 2025, in which a growing number of men on Wall Street experienced pelvic pain due to increased stress.

Sexual Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Pain with or after ejaculation

• Difficulty maintaining erections

Bowel Issues

Constipation, straining during bowel movements, and difficulty fully emptying the bowels can also be related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

How Can Pelvic Physical Therapy Help?

Pelvic physical therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat the muscles, joints, nerves, and connective tissues of the pelvis.

Treatment may include:

• Education about pelvic floor function

• Relaxation and breathing techniques

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and pain

• Exercises to improve strength, coordination, and flexibility

• Bladder and bowel habit training

• Postural and movement assessment

• Guidance for returning to exercise, sports, and daily activities

You Don't Have to Just Live With It

Many men delay seeking treatment because they feel embarrassed or assume their symptoms are a normal part of aging. The reality is that urinary leakage, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction are common, but they are not something you simply have to accept.

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a conservative, evidence-based approach that can help reduce symptoms, improve function, and restore confidence. Wondering if it’s time to see a pelvic PT? Take our Pelvic Health Screening Quiz to determine if you would benefit from pelvic PT.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation with a pelvic physical therapist so that you can start living life better!