Karen Irwin
Specialist Nurse and Service Manager, Bladder & Bowel UK
Men of all ages can suffer from bladder and/or bowel incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Correctly undertaking pelvic floor muscle exercises may help address these problems.
People generally take their bowel and bladder function and control for granted, until symptoms of urgency or incontinence are experienced. The pelvic floor is a sheet of muscle that forms the floor of the pelvis and is essential to bladder and bowel control. Pelvic floor muscles stretch from the pubic bone at the front to the coccyx/tailbone.
Functions of the male pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are hidden away, with many unaware of the important role they play. Not only do they keep our abdominal organs in place, but they also maintain bladder and bowel continence by relaxing and closing bladder and bowel openings to prevent or allow the passage or urine, faeces and wind. The pelvic floor can also support sexual function by helping to maintain an erection and preventing premature ejaculation.
Causes of pelvic floor muscle issues
Men may encounter problems with their pelvic floor muscles following prostate surgery; pelvic radiation; chronic constipation; heavy, prolonged lifting; chronic cough; being overweight; conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, stroke; or perineal injury.
Lack of regular exercise may lead to poor muscle tone and excess strain on pelvic floor muscles. Chronic straining can lead to excess stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, their nerve supply and supporting tissues. Some conditions may affect the nerve supply to the pelvic floor muscles. Trauma and injury to the perineum could also be factors.
Lack of regular exercise may lead to poor muscle tone and excess strain on pelvic floor muscles.
Weak pelvic floor muscles
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Stress urinary incontinence, leakage during activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or sports
- Urinary urgency/urinary urge incontinence: sudden feeling to dash to the toilet
- Bowel incontinence: accidental leakage of faeces, or difficulty in controlling wind
- Post-micturition dribble: leaking a few drops of urine after passing urine
- Erectile dysfunction: not being able to gain or maintain an erection
- Premature ejaculation during sexual activity
Pelvic floor muscle exercises may be helpful for all of the symptoms listed above. It is a good idea to get into a good habit of doing them to prevent problems from developing, even if symptoms are not present. A physiotherapist or other health professional can support and instruct you on undertaking pelvic floor muscle exercises.
