Breaking the stigma: Pelvic health for men
Key Takeaways:
Men’s pelvic health is common and often overlooked.
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects men of all ages due to surgery, injury, aging, chronic conditions, or lifestyle factors. Issues like urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and bowel problems are widespread but rarely discussed, leading many men to suffer in silence.Pelvic floor physical therapy is highly effective and life-changing.
Targeted PT can restore bladder and bowel control, reduce pain, improve sexual function, and strengthen the pelvic floor. With hands-on therapy, exercise, breathwork, and education, men can regain control over their bodies and daily lives, even after surgery or chronic pain.Addressing pelvic health restores confidence, function, and quality of life.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness — it’s a proactive step toward reclaiming physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Pelvic floor therapy empowers men to participate fully in activities they enjoy, reconnect socially, and live without the limitations or embarrassment caused by pelvic dysfunction.
When most people hear “pelvic floor therapy,” they immediately think of women’s health. But the truth is that everyone has a pelvic floor, and men are no exception. Men can experience pelvic floor dysfunction that affects bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall quality of life — yet it’s rarely discussed in men’s healthcare.
Because of this silence, many men feel embarrassed, isolated, or unsure where to turn. They may push through symptoms, hoping they’ll go away on their own, only to find that these issues can worsen over time and start to affect daily routines, confidence, and relationships.
Pelvic health is not just about treating symptoms — it’s about restoring function, reclaiming confidence, and improving overall wellbeing. Understanding the male pelvic floor and how it can be supported is the first step toward regaining control and living fully, without the limitations that pelvic dysfunction can impose.
What is the male pelvic floor?
The male pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive “hammock” at the base of the pelvis. These muscles play a vital role in keeping the body functioning smoothly. They support key organs, including the bladder, prostate, and rectum, helping maintain control over urination and bowel movements. They also contribute directly to sexual function, influencing erections, ejaculation, and overall sexual health.
Beyond these essential functions, the pelvic floor provides stability for the pelvis and spine, forming a foundation for movement and posture. It even plays a role in circulation, aiding lymphatic and vascular flow like a “sump pump,” helping blood and lymph move through the pelvis to nourish tissues and prevent congestion.
When these muscles become weak, tight, or out of sync, the effects can ripple through daily life. Simple tasks like sitting, standing, or lifting may become uncomfortable, intimacy can feel strained, and self-confidence can take a hit. Maintaining a healthy, coordinated pelvic floor is not just about physical function — it’s about preserving quality of life, comfort, and confidence in every aspect of living.
Common pelvic health issues for men
Men may experience pelvic floor dysfunction for a variety of reasons, including surgery, injury, aging, chronic conditions, genetic factors, or long-standing holding patterns. These dysfunctions can significantly affect daily life, sexual health, and overall wellbeing.
Post-prostatectomy incontinence and sexual dysfunction
Post-prostatectomy incontinence and sexual dysfunction are among the most common issues men face. Following radical prostate surgery for cancer, between 15% and 40% of men report bothersome urinary leakage one year after surgery, and as many as 81% experience some degree of leakage in the initial months.
Nocturia, or frequent nighttime urination, affects 56% of men for months or even years post-surgery.
Erectile dysfunction is also common, impacting 60–74% of men after prostatectomy, with full sexual function regained by only 20–25% of those who undergo nerve-sparing procedures.
Erectile Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can also contribute to erectile dysfunction and sexual health issues outside of surgery. Among men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), roughly one-third experience erectile dysfunction (26–42%), and about 35% report premature ejaculation (22–49%).
More broadly, 59% of men with CP/CPPS report some form of sexual dysfunction, including difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sex.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) itself affects approximately 4.5–9% of men, particularly those between 20 and 50 years old, making it the third most common urologic issue in men under 50.
Symptom burden can be high: up to 75% report bladder pain with filling or painful urgency, while 70% experience pain outside the pelvis, including the back and legs.
Many men with CP/CPPS also have overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (34%), migraines (24%), or fibromyalgia (13%), highlighting the interconnected nature of pelvic health.
Urinary urgency and frequency
Urinary urgency and frequency are also common. In men with CP/CPPS, 75% report symptoms like urgency, hesitancy, and frequent trips to the bathroom. Nocturia remains a frequent challenge post-prostatectomy and is also common in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or chronic pelvic pain.
Bowel dysfunction
Bowel dysfunction can accompany pelvic floor issues, with 28–34% of men with chronic pelvic pain experiencing constipation, straining, or incomplete evacuation.
Post-prostate surgery, 5–17% of men report bowel-related difficulties. These symptoms often worsen with pelvic floor muscle tension or after abdominal surgery, and can overlap with conditions like IBS.
Post-surgical or injury recovery
Post-surgical or post-injury recovery can also lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. After abdominal, pelvic, or spinal surgeries, 23–37% of men exhibit measurable pelvic floor weakness, tension, or coordination problems, which can manifest as urinary or bowel symptoms.
While these pelvic health issues can be frustrating, isolating, and even embarrassing, the good news is that they are often highly treatable. Understanding the underlying role of the pelvic floor opens the door to targeted interventions that can restore function, reduce pain, and help men regain control over their daily lives. This is where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in.
How pelvic floor physical therapy helps men
Pelvic floor PT is about more than just “Kegels” (and yes—we’re still celebrating the fact that we’re hearing that word more, for better or worse!). Treatment for men may include:
Targeted strengthening or relaxation exercises tailored to your specific muscle function
Hands-on therapy to release tension, improve circulation, and restore coordination
Bladder and bowel retraining strategies to improve control and confidence
Core and breathwork integration to restore deep core stability and reduce strain on the pelvic floor
Sexual health rehabilitation to enhance erectile function, pelvic blood flow, and reduce discomfort
Education and lifestyle strategies — because understanding your body is an essential part of healing
Advanced and progressive treatment options designed to optimize function and support long-term wellness
For men recovering from prostate surgery, pelvic floor PT can make the difference between years of leakage and a return to confidence in daily life. For others, it can relieve pain, improve intimacy, and restore function that many assumed was lost forever.
Breaking the stigma: Mens pelvic floor health
One of the biggest barriers men face is simply talking about pelvic health. From incontinence to pelvic pain, these issues are often shrouded in embarrassment or shame. Society tells men to “tough it out,” to “push through,” or to view these problems as something that shouldn’t be discussed. As a result, many men suffer in silence, isolating themselves from the very activities, relationships, and opportunities that bring meaning to their lives.
But ignoring pelvic floor problems doesn’t make them go away — it often allows them to worsen, affecting not just physical health but emotional wellbeing, confidence, and social connection. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of self-respect, courage, and intelligence. Reaching out to a specialist can transform daily life, restoring control, comfort, and the freedom to engage fully in work, play, and relationships. In short, addressing pelvic health is not just about managing symptoms — it’s about reclaiming your life.
How testicular pain kept E.I. from participating in the activities that made him feel alive
E.I. has always been in motion. Climbing, biking, running, summiting 14ers — movement was his meditation, his community, and a core part of who he was. Losing that part of himself? Not an option.
But in his early 30s, something shifted. After a bike ride, he started feeling a low-grade ache in his testicles. At first, he brushed it off — just a fluke, he thought. But over time, the ache turned into a sharp, lingering pain that followed every ride. It stopped being something he could ignore.
“Is this something you go to the ER for, or is that silly because it goes away?” he wondered. The question lingered until one morning, after a run, he was hit with a wave of pain so intense it made him nauseous. This time, he couldn’t just push through.
A friend recommended pelvic floor physical therapy — something E.I. assumed was only for women. Still, he made the appointment. When he met Katie at La Hoya Health, she listened closely, performed a hands-on assessment, explained what was happening in clear terms, and created a plan to get him back on track.
After six sessions, the pain was gone. More importantly, E.I. walked away with tools and strategies to keep it from coming back. What once felt like a threat to his identity is now just a memory — and a reminder of how important it is to take care of the body that carries him through the mountains, the roads, and the life he loves.
“As a man, I was nervous to seek out care from a pelvic floor PT because I didn’t know if it was available for men. I had been experiencing some intense testicular pain for years on and off that not only took my confidence away but interrupted my sports. I found myself biking less and stopped participating in any high-impact activities. I am so happy that I finally reached out. Pelvic floor PT is for men like me. It only took a handful of sessions, and I’m back to living my life as if nothing ever happened.” E.I
How chronic stress caused acute pelvic pain at the worst times for W.T.
W.T. has been an executive leader for as long as he can remember — always working, always innovating, always proving his value to shareholders. Carrying that weight was second nature. After over a decade in high-pressure roles, leading this life felt as familiar as riding a bike. What he didn’t realize, though, was that tension isn’t just mental or emotional — it manifests physically, too.
For W.T., tension lived deep in his body, not just in his shoulders or neck, but in his pelvic floor. Years of clenching, staying “on guard,” and pushing through left him trapped in patterns that caused pelvic pain, cramping, constipation, and difficulty with urination.
Through pelvic floor physical therapy, W.T. learned to reconnect with his body — something he had long shut off to survive his demanding lifestyle. He practiced self-massage and breathing techniques that helped him maintain progress outside the clinic and finally calm his pelvic floor enough to fully eliminate without discomfort.
W.T.’s journey is a powerful reminder that the lives we lead and our physical wellbeing are deeply intertwined — and that tuning into your body can be just as essential as managing your career.
How prostate surgery caused B.L. to lose confidence and retreat from his life
B.L. had always been an active, social man — the kind of person who thrived in gatherings, loved catching up with friends, and didn’t think twice about heading out for errands or outings. But after prostate surgery, everything changed.
The surgery left B.L. with incontinence, something he had never experienced before. Simple trips out of the house became stressful, unpredictable, and anxiety-inducing. He started avoiding public places, skipping social events, and retreating into the safety of his home. Even meeting close friends felt risky, as he worried about accidents and embarrassment. His confidence, once unshakable, took a hit, and the life he loved began to shrink.
When B.L. started pelvic floor physical therapy, he discovered a path back to control and confidence. With guided exercises, targeted strengthening, and strategies for managing urgency, he slowly regained the ability to trust his body again. Over time, B.L. found himself leaving the house without fear, reconnecting with friends, and reclaiming the social life he thought he had lost.
What once felt like a private struggle became a turning point — a reminder that even after major surgery, regaining control over your body can restore not just function, but confidence and freedom to fully engage with life again.
Why La Hoya Health is different
Most people don’t expect physical therapy to feel like self-care — but that’s exactly the vision behind La Hoya Health. Founder Katie Dewar, PT, DPT, PRPC created the practice to merge the best of both worlds: evidence-based rehabilitation grounded in research and proven methods, and an elevated, holistic experience where every detail is thoughtfully designed to make appointments feel restorative and valuable.
This approach turns care into more than just “fixing a problem.” It becomes a process of restoration, empowerment, and aging gracefully.
That commitment extends beyond the treatment room. La Hoya Health is passionate about accessibility and community connection, with plans to expand through workshops, community classes, a curated line of eco-friendly wellness products, and a scholarship fund supported by memberships and clinic sales — all designed to make care more inclusive and education more accessible. Because true wellness isn’t just about treatment; it’s about creating a space where people feel supported, informed, and connected.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Men’s pelvic health matters. And yet, too often, it’s ignored, stigmatized, or left untreated. Pelvic floor physical therapy can change that — helping men restore strength, regain control, reduce pain, and feel confident again.
At La Hoya Health, we specialize in pelvic rehabilitation for every body, including men at every stage of life. With science-backed care, a holistic approach, and an elevated environment, we’re here to help you take back control of your pelvic health.
👉 Ready to take the first step?
