Male Pelvic Floor - Western Women's and Mens Health
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Male Pelvic Floor

Male Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor muscles sit at the base of the pelvis, attaching from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles “squeeze and lift” which allows you to stay continent and to support all your pelvic organs (bladder and bowel).

 

These muscles are just as important for men as they are for women. Having a strong pelvic floor can help you recover post-prostatectomy, improve erectile function and reduce any issues with dribbling after urination.

 

To activate these muscles, try the following prompts:

> Imagine trying to hold in wind

> Imagine trying to stop the flow of urine

> Visualise walking in to cold water

> Try to lift the scrotum and retract the penis

 

Make sure that you don’t:

> Squeeze your bottom or thighs

> Suck your tummy in

> Grimace your face

 

Pelvic floor exercises should be a “secret”, no-one should see that you are doing them! Aim to hold a contraction for 5 seconds, then release for 5 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times, 3 times per day. Start in lying or seated positions, and eventually progress to standing positions as you get stronger.

 

It is always important to make sure you are doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly, as the wrong technique could cause more harm than good. Some people may “trick” by bearing down instead of lifting up. Other people may find it hard to relax their pelvic floor, which could create overactivity in the muscle. It is always important to check in with one of our men’s health physiotherapists to ensure that your technique is correct before you start a pelvic floor exercise program.