Yes! Men have a pelvic floor and it does all the same things that the pelvic floor does for women. Everyone needs the pelvic floor muscles to support bladder, bowel, and sexual function. But male and female anatomy isn’t the same so the muscles must be different in some way.
Permission to use copyright image from Pelvic Guru, LLL pelvicguru.com
The biggest difference is the bulbocavernosus muscle found in the anatomy of people with a vulva. In these people the bulbocavernosus runs around the vaginal opening. In people with a penis the bulbocavernosus is called the bulbospongiosus. Here, the muscle runs into the base of the penis.
Another big difference between male and female anatomy is the presence of the prostate in men. The prostate is a gland that secretes a fluid called seminal fluid which protects sperm. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Since men also have a pelvic floor, they can experience symptoms related to their pelvic floor as well. Men can experience pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urine leaking, constipation, stool leakage, and post-prostatectomy symptoms.
Pelvic health therapists treating males can perform external assessments of their pelvic floor using observation, palpation, or biofeedback. Biofeedback involves placement of sensors externally near the perineum. These sensors are connected to a unit which displays a reading of muscle activity. Pelvic health therapists can also perform internal evaluations using a one-gloved finger into the anal canal to assess function of muscles and surrounding structures.
If you are a male struggling with pelvic health symptoms or know someone that would benefit from seeing a pelvic health specialist help them to get the care and attention they need to restore their quality of life.
At The Fit Pelvis, we see male and female patients. Schedule a Discovery Call today to see how pelvic health therapy can benefit you.
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