PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION IN MEN
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in men is often diagnosed as Prostatitis. It is important to understand that Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can occur whether prostatitis is present or not. Stress, bacteria, and/or inflammation can cause the pelvic floor muscles to elicit a protective response, tightening of the muscles to protect against the stressor. This can also happen in response to a mechanical compression such as prolonged sitting or a direct trauma to the pelvis (bicycle accident, etc.) Unfortunately, the pelvic floor muscles may stay in a hyperprotective 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 nighttime 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:
Treatment 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 correlating musculature. 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.