Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Men
Do men even have a pelvic floor? Why would men go to pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT)? Is it worth trying? And why haven’t I heard of it?
Great questions. Men absolutely have a pelvic floor, and it plays a critical role in urinary, bowel, sexual, and core function. Male pelvic health is often underreported, but the numbers speak for themselves:
1 in 4 men experience erectile dysfunction
~10% of men have chronic pelvic pain (>3 months)
1 in 5 older men experience urinary incontinence
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, many undergoing prostatectomy
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps Men
1. Improve Urinary Function
Have you been prescribed antibiotics for unresolving UTI or chronic prostatitis symptoms? Struggling with chronic urinary issues, difficulty emptying the bladder, or post-void dribble? PFPT strengthens and retrains the pelvic floor muscles, improving coordination with the bladder and sphincter. Benefits include:
Reduced stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, or lifting)
Reduced urge incontinence (frequent or sudden urges)
Improved bladder emptying
2. Improve Bowel Function
Are you experiencing unresolving constipation and told to just take fiber or laxatives? Bowel problems can be caused by misuse of the pelvic floor muscles. Individualized training can help ease bowel movements, reduce straining, and protect tissue from pressure-related injuries such as hemorrhoids or prolapse. Constipation, straining, or accidental stool leakage may be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. PFPT can:
Train proper muscle coordination for easier bowel movements
Reduce straining and protect against hemorrhoids or prolapse
Improve anal sphincter control and normalize bathroom routines
3. Improve Sexual Health
Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection? Is premature ejaculation or pain with orgasms impacting your well-being or relationship? Problems with erections, premature ejaculation, or pain with sexual activity are often related to pelvic floor muscles. Improving control and connection with this muscle group can allow healing in these areas that are often difficult to talk about and bring up to a medical provider. PFPT can:
Increase awareness and control of the pelvic floor
Improve circulation and function to support erections and ejaculation
Reduce discomfort during sexual activity
4. Reduce Pelvic Pain
Do you feel like you’re sitting on a golf ball? Did you find out you have a hip labral tear that seems like it’s difficult to rehab? Pain in the pelvis, low back, hips, tailbone, or SI joint can often be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. PFPT can:
Release tension and improve coordination between pelvic muscles, hips, spine, and core
Support recovery from injuries like hip labral tears
Address chronic sitting discomfort (“sitting on a golf ball” feeling)
5. Improve Core and Postural Stability
Hernias are a great example of misuse of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and improper pressure management. Maybe it was the 1000th sit-up that was the straw that broke the camels back, the PR on your deadlift, years of working in a job of lifting, or chronic straining with bowel movements. The pelvic floor is a key part of the core, working with your diaphragm and abdominal muscles. PFPT helps:
Optimize pressure management during lifting, exercise, or straining
Reduce risk of hernias, hemorrhoids, and lower back strain
Improve posture and overall functional strength
Bottom Line
Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just for women — men of all ages and fitness levels can benefit. Whether you’re dealing with urinary or bowel issues, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, recovering from surgery, or simply want a stronger, more resilient core, pelvic floor therapy can help.
It’s never too early or too late to start. Targeted therapy can improve function, reduce discomfort, and enhance quality of life.