PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION IN MEN
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in men is often identified as Prostatitis. It is crucial to know that Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can happen whether prostatitis is present or not. Stress, bacteria, and/or inflammation can cause the pelvic floor muscles to produce a protective response, tightening of the muscles to protect against the stressor. This can also occur in reaction to a mechanical compression such as long sitting or a direct trauma to the pelvis (accident etc.) Sadly, the pelvic floor muscles may stay in a hyper-protective or hypertonic state and this can cause pain due to the tight or spastic muscles.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PFD IN MEN:
- Difficulty starting urine stream/feeling of incomplete emptying
- Urinary frequency/nocturia (excessive night-time voids)
- Low/weak urine flow
- Pain in sitting, “sitting on a golf ball or rock”
- Pain in scrotum, perineum, testicles, and/or groin
- Rectal pain/pain that wakes at night (Prostatic Fugax)
- Pain during and/or after a bowel movement or urination
- Constipation
- Pain during or after intercourse or ejaculation
- Pain with erection
- Hard flaccid
- Erectile Dysfunction
TREATMENT:
Therapy is the same for men as women who have Pelvic Pain with the main difference being the pelvic floor physical therapist will perform manual therapy (or myofascial release) intrarectal as well as work on the external pelvis and connecting muscular structure. Intrarectal treatment is the best way to access the pelvic floor muscles in men. Men with PFD including bowel and bladder symptoms will also benefit from Bowel and Bladder retraining