When people hear “pelvic floor therapy,” they often think it’s just for women—especially new moms. But did you know men have pelvic floors too? And just like any other muscle group in the body, things can go wrong. The good news? Pelvic floor retraining can help, and it’s more common (and helpful) than you might think.
So, What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles support important organs like the bladder and bowel, help control when you go to the bathroom, and even play a role in sexual function. In men, a healthy pelvic floor contributes to things like urinary control, bowel regularity, and sexual performance.
Signs Something Might Be Off
You might benefit from pelvic floor retraining if you’re dealing with:
- Leaking urine when you sneeze, laugh, or exercise (like heavier resistance training)
- Going to the bathroom too often—or not being able to go when you need to
- Pain in the lower belly, groin, or around the testicles
- Erectile dysfunction or discomfort during or after sex
- Feeling pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
These symptoms can be frustrating—and even a little embarrassing—but they’re more common than you think. And more importantly: they’re treatable.
What Is Pelvic Floor Retraining?
Pelvic floor retraining is a form of physical therapy that helps strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles so they can work properly again. Think of it like personal training—but for the muscles you can’t see.
A pelvic floor physical therapist will work with you one-on-one to create a plan tailored to your needs. This might include:
. Exercises to strengthen weak muscles (or relax tight ones)
. Breathing and posture training to help your core and pelvic floor work better together
. Education on bladder and bowel habits
. Techniques to improve sexual function and reduce pain
No two people are the same, so your treatment plan is made just for you.
Is It Just About Doing Kegels?
Not exactly. While many people have heard of Kegels, they aren’t the right solution for everyone—and doing them incorrectly can actually make things worse. A trained pelvic floor physical therapist can help you figure out exactly what your muscles need and how to work them the right way.
Why Don’t More Men Talk About This?
That’s a great question. For a long time, pelvic health has been considered a “women’s issue,” but men experience pelvic floor dysfunction too. The problem is, many guys just don’t know what’s going on—or feel too uncomfortable to talk about it.
We’re here to say: you’re not alone, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Taking care of your pelvic health is just as important as taking care of your heart, your back, or your knees.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with any of the symptoms above, or even just curious about your pelvic health, pelvic floor retraining could make a big difference. The goal is to help you feel stronger, more in control, and more comfortable in your body.
Don’t let myths or discomfort keep you from getting the care you deserve. Talk to a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health, like we do at Stroma!