When you hear the words "pelvic floor," what comes to mind? For many people, it's pregnancy, childbirth or women's health. But here's something that surprises many of our male patients: Men have a pelvic floor too. And when these muscles aren't working as they should, they can contribute to a wide range of symptoms that are often overlooked, misdiagnosed or simply accepted as "part of getting older." The good news? Many pelvic floor issues are treatable, and you don't have to live with them. What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sits at the base of the pelvis like a supportive hammock. In men, these muscles help: support the bladder and bowel control urination and bowel movements contribute to sexual function provide stability for the pelvis and lower back coordinate with your breathing and core muscles. Like any other muscle group, they can become weak, overactive, poorly coordinated or painful. 1. You're going to the toilet "just in case" Do you find yourself using the toilet before leaving the house, before meetings or whenever you see a bathroom—even when you don't really need to go? While this habit can seem harmless, it may contribute to bladder urgency over time. If you're frequently: rushing to the toilet needing to urinate often waking multiple times overnight struggling to hold on, your pelvic floor and bladder coordination may be worth assessing. 2. You leak urine Bladder leakage isn't just a women's issue. Some men notice leakage: after prostate surgery during exercise when coughing or sneezing after they've finished urinating (post-void dribbling) without warning. Many men are embarrassed to bring this up, but it's a common reason to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. 3. You have ongoing pelvic pain Pain in the pelvis isn't always coming from the prostate. Persistent pain may be felt in the: perineum (between the scrotum and anus) tailbone lower abdomen groin penis testicles hips. In some men, overactive or sensitive pelvic floor muscles contribute to these symptoms. 4. You struggle to empty your bowels Your pelvic floor muscles need to relax for a bowel motion to pass comfortably. If they don't coordinate well, you may experience: constipation straining incomplete emptying prolonged time on the toilet. Improving pelvic floor coordination can be an important part of managing bowel symptoms. 5. Sitting is uncomfortable Does sitting for long periods increase your discomfort? Persistent aching around the tailbone, deep pelvis or perineum may be related to several different conditions, including pelvic floor dysfunction. A comprehensive assessment can help identify contributing factors. 6. Sex has become painful—or isn't functioning the way it used to The pelvic floor also plays an important role in sexual health. Pelvic floor dysfunction may contribute to: pain during or after ejaculation erectile dysfunction in some cases reduced confidence pelvic muscle tension during intimacy. Because sexual function can be influenced by many factors—including cardiovascular health, hormones, medications and psychological wellbeing—it's important to have a thorough assessment to understand what's contributing to your symptoms. 7. You've had prostate surgery Pelvic floor physiotherapy is commonly recommended before and after prostate surgery. Treatment may help improve: bladder control confidence returning to activity pelvic floor muscle coordination recovery following surgery. If you're preparing for prostate surgery, seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist beforehand can help you learn the correct exercises and what to expect during recovery. It's not always about weakness One of the biggest misconceptions is that pelvic floor problems are always caused by weak muscles. In reality, some men have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight, don't relax well or aren't coordinating properly. That's why doing pelvic floor exercises you find online isn't always the best approach. A personalised assessment is the safest way to determine what your body actually needs. When should you see a pelvic floor physiotherapist? Consider booking an assessment if you have: bladder leakage urinary urgency or frequency constipation or straining pelvic or tailbone pain pain around the penis, scrotum or perineum pain with ejaculation difficulty returning to exercise after prostate surgery ongoing symptoms that aren't improving. Many men wait months—or even years—before seeking help because they assume these symptoms are normal. They're common, but they aren't something you have to simply live with. Frequently Asked Questions Do men have pelvic floor muscles? Yes. Men have pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and bowel, assist with continence, contribute to sexual function and work with the core muscles to provide stability. Can a pelvic floor physiotherapist help men? Absolutely. Pelvic floor physiotherapists assess and treat a range of conditions affecting men, including bladder leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, and recovery after prostate surgery. Should men do Kegel exercises? Not always. While pelvic floor strengthening is beneficial for some men, others have muscles that are overactive or poorly coordinated. An assessment helps determine whether strengthening, relaxation or a combination of approaches is most appropriate. The Bottom Line Pelvic floor problems are far more common in men than many people realise. Whether it's bladder leakage, pelvic pain, constipation or changes in sexual function, these symptoms are not something you should ignore or simply put down to ageing. The first step is understanding what's causing your symptoms. From there, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can develop a personalised treatment plan to help you regain confidence, comfort and control. You don't have to put up with pelvic floor symptoms just because you're a man. If something doesn't feel right, book an assessment with one of our pelvic health physiotherapists and take the first step towards getting back to doing the things you enjoy.

Pelvic Health Is for Everyone Pelvic health is often talked about as a women’s issue, but in reality it affects people of all genders across every stage of life. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles also play a role in sexual function and everyday movements like lifting, bending, coughing, or laughing. Because they are involved in so many aspects of daily life, looking after pelvic health is important for everyone. Pelvic health concerns can show up in many different ways. Some people experience bladder leakage, urgency, constipation, or changes in bowel habits. Others may experience pelvic girdle pain, including discomfort around the sacroiliac joints, pubic symphysis, or coccyx (tailbone). Pelvic pain can also occur in the lower abdomen or in the genitals and may affect comfort with sitting, exercise, or sexual activity. These symptoms can affect people of any gender, yet they are often not openly discussed. Pelvic floor challenges can appear at different stages of life. Children may experience constipation, bedwetting, or daytime bladder accidents. Adolescents and adults may notice pelvic pain, bladder urgency, or bowel changes. Men may experience pelvic pain or bladder symptoms, including leakage, particularly after prostate surgery. Older adults may notice changes in bladder or bowel control or pelvic comfort as the body changes with age. While these experiences are common, many people are surprised to learn that help is available. Hormones also play an important role in pelvic health for people of all genders. Changes in hormone levels; during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy, can influence tissue health, bladder control, sexual function, and comfort in the pelvic region. Understanding these changes and supporting the body with the right care can make a meaningful difference. Pelvic health physiotherapy offers practical support, education, and treatment for many of these concerns. Physiotherapists can help people better understand their pelvic floor, improve bladder and bowel habits, manage pelvic girdle or pelvic pain, and support comfortable movement in daily life. Often, small changes can make a big difference to daily comfort and confidence. Pelvic health isn’t limited to one gender or one stage of life. By talking about it more openly and recognising the many ways it can affect the body, we can make it easier for everyone to seek support and care for their pelvic health.

Male Pelvic Pain: Understanding the Many Faces of Discomfort Pelvic pain in men is a complex issue involving various muscles, nerves, organs, and psychological factors. Since the pelvic region houses key structures such as the bladder, prostate, urethra, bowel, and the pelvic floor muscles, pain may present differently depending on the underlying cause. Recognising the specific types of pelvic pain and related symptoms can help men seek appropriate care early and improve outcomes. Common Types and Examples of Male Pelvic Pain Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) Pain Types: Dull aching in the lower abdomen, sharp stabbing pain in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus), burning during urination, and discomfort after ejaculation. Additional Symptoms: Urinary frequency and urgency, weak or interrupted urine stream, and sometimes flu-like symptoms in bacterial prostatitis. CPPS, a non-bacterial form, often features muscle tightness and nerve irritation causing persistent discomfort without infection. Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension and Spasms Pain Types: Intermittent or constant burning sensation deep in the pelvis, a "stuck" feeling during urination, testicular or penile pain not explained by infection. Often worsened by sitting for long periods, sexual activity, or stress. May also cause referred pain to the lower back, hips, or thighs. Pudendal Neuralgia (Nerve Entrapment) Pain Types: Sharp, burning, or electric shock-like pain primarily localised to the perineum and genital area. Pain often worsens when sitting on hard surfaces and improves when standing or lying down. May include numbness, tingling, or altered sensation around the genitals and anus. Urethral Pain Syndrome and Urethritis (Non-infective) Pain Types: Burning or raw sensation at the urethral opening, pain with urination, or persistent pelvic discomfort. This can happen without bacterial infection and is sometimes related to pelvic floor dysfunction or inflammation. Testicular Pain and Epididymitis Pain Types: Sharp or aching pain localised to one or both testicles, sometimes radiating to the groin or lower abdomen. May be associated with swelling, tenderness, or warmth. Causes include infection, trauma, or referred pain from pelvic floor muscles. Bladder Pain Syndrome / Interstitial Cystitis Pain Types: Persistent pressure, discomfort, or burning in the bladder and perineal region. Symptoms often worsen with bladder filling and improve after urination. May be accompanied by urinary urgency and frequency. Hernia-Related Pelvic Pain Pain Types: Dull aching or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or pelvic area, especially when coughing, lifting, or standing. Often associated with a noticeable bulge or lump in the groin. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gastrointestinal Pain Pain Types: Cramping, bloating, and lower abdominal discomfort that can refer to pelvic areas. May be associated with bowel changes such as diarrhea or constipation. Bowel problems often coexist with pelvic floor dysfunction, complicating pain presentation. Musculoskeletal Pelvic Pain Pain Types: Aching or sharp pain stemming from muscles, ligaments, or joints of the pelvis and lower back. Causes include poor posture, pelvic instability, trauma, or overuse injuries. Pain may radiate into the groin, perineum, or thighs and can worsen with sitting, standing, or movement. Sexual Dysfunction-Related Pelvic Pain Pain Types: Pain during or after ejaculation, penile or perineal burning, and pain associated with erectile dysfunction. Often linked with pelvic floor muscle tension or nerve irritation. When to Seek Help Men experiencing any of the following should consult a pelvic health physiotherapist or healthcare provider: Persistent or worsening pelvic, perineal, testicular, or genital pain Pain worsened by urination, ejaculation, sexual activity, bowel movements, or sitting Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow, weak or split stream Urinary urgency, frequency, dribbling, or incontinence Numbness, tingling, or unusual sensations in the pelvic or genital area Visible lumps, swelling, or signs of infection (fever, chills, burning urination) How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help Pelvic floor physiotherapists specialize in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain related to muscle dysfunction, nerve entrapment, and biomechanical issues. They use techniques such as: Manual therapy to release muscle tension and trigger points Tailored exercises to strengthen or relax pelvic muscles Education on bladder, bowel, and posture habits Neuromodulation techniques like TENS or biofeedback Collaborative care with urologists, gastroenterologists, and pain specialists Early assessment and intervention can greatly improve pain relief, bladder and sexual function, and quality of life. Expert Tips for Managing Pelvic Pain at Home Maintain regular bowel habits to prevent constipation and straining Practice relaxation techniques and mindfulness to reduce pelvic muscle tension Avoid prolonged sitting or pressure on the perineum; use cushions and take breaks Stay hydrated and avoid bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol Use warm baths or heat packs to relax muscles and improve circulation Engage in gentle stretching and low-impact exercise as advised by your physiotherapist At Pelvic Health Melbourne, all our physiotherapists are trained to help manage all types of pelvic pain men encounter. You don’t have to live with pelvic pain—help is available.