Do Men Even Have a Pelvic Floor?
When people hear "pelvic floor," they often associate it with women’s health, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery—but here’s the truth: Men have a pelvic floor, too! And just like women, men can experience pelvic floor dysfunction that affects bladder control, sexual health, and even daily movement.
At Imagine Pelvic Health, we primarily focus on women’s pelvic health, but we also recognize that men struggle with these issues and deserve expert care. Whether you’re dealing with urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or post-prostate surgery recovery, our therapy services in York and Hanover, PA, can help.
So, let’s break it down:
👉 What is the male pelvic floor?
👉 Why do men develop pelvic floor dysfunction?
👉 How does fatherhood impact pelvic health?
👉 What treatment options are available?
What is the Male Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis. These muscles:
✔ Support the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs
✔ Control urination and bowel movements
✔ Play a key role in sexual function
✔ Help stabilize the core and lower back
Just like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can become too tight, too weak, or uncoordinated, leading to problems that many men don’t realize are related to their pelvic health.
Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men
Men with pelvic floor dysfunction often experience symptoms that they don’t think to connect to their pelvic muscles. These include:
❌ Urinary Issues: Leaking urine, frequent urination, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder
❌ Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Pelvic floor weakness can contribute to performance issues
❌ Chronic Pelvic Pain: Pain in the lower abdomen, groin, perineum, or tailbone
❌ Post-Prostate Surgery Complications: Incontinence or pain after prostate removal (prostatectomy)
❌ Bowel Problems: Constipation, straining, or fecal leakage
❌ Lower Back, Hip, or Groin Pain: Often misdiagnosed as a musculoskeletal issue when the pelvic floor is actually involved
Fatherhood & Pelvic Health: What New Dads Should Know
Becoming a dad is a life-changing experience, but many men don’t realize that fatherhood can impact their pelvic health in unexpected ways.
Sleep Deprivation & Increased Stress
Lack of sleep and stress from caring for a newborn can lead to pelvic tension, poor posture, and chronic back or hip pain—all of which can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Lifting & Carrying a Baby (With Poor Form!)
New fathers spend a lot of time lifting and holding their baby, often in awkward positions that put stress on the pelvic floor, leading to tightness and discomfort.
Less Time for Fitness & Self-Care
Between sleepless nights and the demands of parenting, dads often stop exercising, which can contribute to weak core muscles and poor pelvic floor function.
Sexual Health Changes
Hormonal and emotional shifts after a baby can affect libido, performance, and confidence, and a dysfunctional pelvic floor can make matters worse.
The good news? Pelvic floor therapy can help dads recover, strengthen their bodies, and feel their best.
How Men Can Strengthen Their Pelvic Floor (Without Doing Kegels Wrong!)
Many men hear about Kegels but aren’t sure if they’re doing them correctly—or if they should be doing them at all.
The truth is, not all men need Kegels. In fact, if your pelvic floor is already too tight, doing Kegels can actually make symptoms worse.
Instead, pelvic floor therapy focuses on:
✔ Pelvic floor relaxation techniques (if muscles are too tight)
✔ Strengthening exercises for core stability and proper muscle coordination
✔ Breathing techniques to improve bladder and bowel control
✔ Posture and movement training to relieve tension and pain
✔ Manual therapy to release muscle tightness and improve circulation
At Imagine Pelvic Health, we provide personalized, one-on-one therapy to help you understand your body and find the right solutions.
What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, pelvic therapy can provide relief. Here’s what happens when you book a session:
1️⃣ Comprehensive Evaluation – We discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
2️⃣ Pelvic Floor & Core Assessment – We assess muscle function, posture, and movement patterns.
3️⃣ Customized Treatment Plan – We create a strategy tailored to your needs, whether it’s strengthening, relaxation, or a mix of both.
4️⃣ Ongoing Support – We guide you through exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain confidence and function.
Get Started with Pelvic Floor Therapy in York & Hanover, PA
If you’re a man dealing with urinary issues, pelvic pain, post-surgical recovery, or changes after becoming a dad, you’re not alone—and help is available.
While we specialize in women’s pelvic health, we know that men deserve expert care, too. That’s why we welcome male clients who are ready to take control of their pelvic health and feel better.
