Men's Pelvic Health
Explore the common diagnoses and symptoms we address with men who are experiencing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in the Charleston area.
Men's Pelvic Health Conditions We Specialize In:
Bladder Dysfunctions:
- Incontinence: leaks of urine that occur in small or large amounts
- Urge incontinence: a strong urge to urinate that ends in leakage when you cannot make it to the toilet
- Stress incontinence: leaks of urine (small or large) that occur with exertion from lifting, walking, running, coughing, laughing, sneezing, etc.
- Overactive Bladder: very disruptive urges to urinate, more than 6 times per day, usually without leaks
- Interstitial Cystitis ("Painful Bladder Syndrome"): a chronic condition, though usually presents with a persistent pain in the lower abdomen that may or may not be relieved with urination
- Nocturia: waking with the urge to urinate, more than 1 time per night
Bowel Dysfunction:
- Constipation: this could mean a change in bowel routine with unpredictable bowel consistency, straining >5 minutes, and an incomplete feeling of emptying after a bowel movement
- Pain with bowel movements: pain can occur with an urge to defecate, during and/or after
- Pain at the anus/rectum: pain can occur in this area with or without a bowel movement
- Anal Fissures: usually occurs from straining/hard bowel movements and can cause sharp/stinging pain and bleeding with bowel movements
- Chronic hemorrhoids: hemorrhoids can cause pain, bleeding and/or difficulty emptying bowel movements
- Fecal incontinence: small or large amounts of leakage of stool
Sexual Dysfunctions:
Difficulty with erectile function without a known medical cause can be related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. This may include:
- Inability to maintain an erection for intercourse
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Pain with erection or following intercourse
- Pain with ejaculation
- Premature ejaculation
Tailbone Pain:
Tailbone pain needs its own category because every person with tailbone pain needs to be in pelvic floor PT! Also called the coccyx, it attaches directly to the pelvic floor. It also attaches to the coccygeus muscle, the glute max (butt muscle), the external anal sphincter, five sacral ligaments, and two major pelvic ligaments called the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments. Tailbone pain may be from an injury, or it started at random. Either way, the pelvic floor is heavily involved. Prior tailbone injury is also a risk factor for developing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Chronic Pain Conditions:
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): persistent pelvic pain or discomfort that may involve the pelvis, penis, testicles, perineum, or lower abdomen
- Prostatitis: symptoms that may seem like they come from the prostate (but no signs of infection and lack of improvement from
- Pudendal Neuralgia: nerve-related pelvic pain that can cause burning, tingling, numbness and/or pain to the pelvis, genitals, and perineum. It is usually worse with prolonged sitting.
- Interstitial Cystitis: hallmarked by bladder pain, pressure, urgency, and/or frequent urination (that isn't necessarily caused by an infection)
- Hard Flaccid Syndrome: changes in the flaccid penis accompanied by pelvic or penile discomfort, tightness, or altered sensation
If you experience chronic genital or orthopedic pain like the hip and back, read about aches & pains here.
Prostatectomy Prep and Post-Op:
Prostatectomy Preparation:
- Education regarding upcoming procedure, what to expect and recovery
- Establish a baseline of muscle function/strength, bladder/bowel/sexual function
- Begin pre-operative exercise program
Prostatectomy Post-Operative Recovery: We can see male patients following a prostatectomy as soon as they are cleared from their surgeon, or years later. We help you:
- Resolve urinary leaking
- Help improve erectile function
- Scar tissue mobilization
- Abdominal strengthening
- Regaining urinary bladder sensation/filling
- Resolving constipation/bowel challenges
- Return to exercise, work and physical activity
