Men Have Pelvic Floors Too: Why Pelvic Floor Therapy For Men is Needed

When you hear "pelvic floor physical therapy," chances are your brain jumps straight to women—postpartum recovery, pregnancy prep, and all things female anatomy. But here's the thing: men have pelvic floors too. And when something's not working right down there, it can wreak havoc on everything from your workouts to your bathroom habits to your sex life.

Let’s talk about it.

First, What Is the Pelvic Floor?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that sit at the bottom of your pelvis. Think of it as a hammock that supports your bladder, bowel, and—for guys—your prostate. These muscles also help control urination, bowel movements, sexual function, and contribute to core stability.

In other words, this is not a muscle group you want to ignore.

Common Pelvic Floor Problems in Men

Pelvic floor dysfunction in men is more common than most people think, and it can show up in ways that extend far beyond the bathroom or bedroom. Some of the most frequent issues include urinary leaks or urgency (especially post-prostatectomy), chronic constipation or straining, pelvic pain or pressure, erectile dysfunction, pain with ejaculation, and persistent lower back, hip, or groin pain. But the impact doesn't stop there. Many men quietly deal with trouble sitting through long meetings due to pelvic discomfort, anxiety during workouts because of leakage, or avoidance of intimacy out of fear or pain.

These problems can also disrupt sleep, diminish athletic performance, and take a toll on emotional well-being. When the pelvic floor muscles aren’t functioning properly, the body often compensates with excess tension, pain, or fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed or brushed off—leaving men to suffer in silence. The good news? Pelvic floor physical therapy can help. Addressing dysfunction at the source can unlock relief not just “down there,” but throughout your entire body.

Why Aren’t More Men Talking About This?

One major reason pelvic floor issues go unaddressed in men is simple: most guys have never even heard of it. There's still a cultural stigma around men seeking help for anything that isn’t clearly orthopedic or muscular. Add in the fact that symptoms like urinary leaks or erectile dysfunction feel deeply personal—and often embarrassing—and it’s no surprise men keep quiet.

Many assume these problems are just part of aging or something they have to live with. In reality, pelvic floor dysfunction is not a life sentence, and opening up about it is the first step toward recovery. The more we normalize this conversation, the more men can get the help they need—without shame, and without delay.

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is more than just kegel exercises (and spoiler alert: sometimes Kegels can actually make things worse). A pelvic health physical therapist trained to work with men will assess how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning—whether they’re too tight, too weak, or not coordinating properly with the rest of your core and body.

A customized treatment plan might include:

• Manual therapy to release tight muscles

• Biofeedback to retrain muscle control

• Education on bladder and bowel habits

• Exercises to improve strength or flexibility (and not just "down there")

The Gym Bro Meets Pelvic Floor

If you're someone who lifts heavy, trains hard, or just cares about performance—listen up. Pelvic floor dysfunction can limit your ability to brace, breathe, and lift safely. Ever feel pressure in your lower abdomen when deadlifting? Or leak urine during double unders? That’s your pelvic floor calling for backup.

Working with a pelvic can be the missing link between decent form and elite performance.

No, It’s Not Weird. Yes, It’s Worth It.

Let’s break the stigma: going to a pelvic floor physical therapist isn’t weird. It’s smart. And it’s becoming more common as men realize they don’t have to put up with nagging pain, bathroom issues, or sexual dysfunction.

Whether you’re a new dad, a prostate cancer survivor, a weekend warrior, or just someone who wants to feel better in their body—it’s time to give your pelvic floor the attention it deserves.

The Bottom Line with Pelvic Floor Therapy For Men

Bottom line? If you have a pelvis, you have a pelvic floor. And if something feels off, there’s help out there. Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just for women—it’s for humans.

Guys, it's time to take a seat on the table. Your pelvic floor will thank you.