June is National Men’s Health month, so what better time to take charge of your health and wellness. Men’s health issues often revolve around prostate health, prostate cancer prevention, and cardiovascular health. However, some men’s health issues are overlooked and untreated because practitioners don’t recognize that Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is contributing to the symptoms.
Disruption to the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, due to aging, persistent heavy lifting, surgical intervention, and more, can result in pelvic pain and impaired or loss of bowel and bladder control.
There are many misconceptions surrounding issues of pelvic pain, and all too often, this is seen as a female problem related to pregnancy, postpartum, menstrual cycle, or female reproductive organs. Surprise! Anyone with a pelvis can have pain, including males.
Male pelvic pain is regularly thought to be caused by prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and is typically prescribed medications to relieve said inflammation. However, the majority of men diagnosed with prostatitis do not, in fact, have a prostate infection.
Pelvic health is vital in maintaining continence, sexual health, and quality of life. Common pelvic floor dysfunctions include:
- urinary incontinence (urine leakage)
- stress/urge incontinence
- erectile dysfunction
- ejaculatory/orgasmic dysfunction
- chronic prostatitis
It is important to note that urinary incontinence is not considered a normal part of aging. Urinary incontinence affects 5–32% of adult males, predominantly in those who have had prostate cancer.
If you have been searching for answers to your pelvic issues, Peterson Health Rehab Services can help! We offer a unique physical therapy program that includes non-invasive external pelvic floor muscle retraining exercises, relaxation/awareness techniques, as well as food and liquid management to address pelvic floor symptoms. Pelvic floor therapists offer services in private treatment rooms for patient’s comfort, and consideration and the length of the program varies depending on the patient and severity of symptoms.
Talk to your primary care physician or urologist about how Pelvic Floor Rehab could benefit you. Referral required to schedule appointment.