Yes, men have a pelvic floor!
Men/penis owners have pelvic floor muscles just like women/vagina owners. These muscles work in the same way to control bladder, bowel, and sexual function. They attach in the front of the pelvis at the pubic bone and surround the base of the penis, urethra, and anal opening to attach in the back at the tailbone. The pelvic floor muscles make up the perineum, also known as the “taint”, “gooch”, or “chad”.
How can I find my pelvic floor?
The instructions I typically give to contract the pelvic floor muscles (like a kegel) are:
- Squeeze like you are stopping urine/gas
- Tighten like you are jumping into a cold pool of water
- Contract the muscles that lift your penis
What is a male pelvic floor exam?
Typically a pelvic health physical therapist will check all of the pelvic floor muscles located externally and internally. They are checking to see what the muscles do at rest, what they do when you contract or “kegel”, and what they do when you push or bulge. They are also checking for any tender points or trigger points within the muscles.
The therapist will use gloved fingers to press on the pelvic floor muscles from the outside of the pelvis looking for tenderness or tension in the muscles. They will then use a lubricated, gloved finger to assess the muscles internally through the rectum. This is similar to a prostate exam; however, the physical therapist is not checking the prostate but instead is focused on the pelvic floor muscles. Check out our blog to find out more about the internal pelvic floor muscle exam.
Should I see a pelvic health physical therapist?
If you are having any symptoms related to bladder, bowel, and sexual function, you will benefit from an evaluation with a pelvic health physical therapist.
These symptoms include things like:
- pain in the genitals (penis, testicles, scrotum)
- painful urination and bowel movements
- bladder pain/prostatitis
- urinary frequency and urgency
- urinary or fecal incontinence
- constipation / excessive pushing or straining
Pelvic floor dysfunction often correlates with groin pain, hip pain, and lower back pain. If you have been addressing these symptoms with other therapies and are not finding relief, we highly recommend seeking care with a pelvic health PT.
