Can Men Have Pelvic Floor Problems? What Every Man Should Know

Yes — And It's More Common Than You Think

Pelvic floor dysfunction is widely discussed as a women's health issue — and for good reason, given how commonly it affects women. But men have a pelvic floor too, and pelvic floor dysfunction in men is far more common than most people realize.

This article covers what the male pelvic floor is, what can go wrong, and what the most effective treatments are.

What Is the Male Pelvic Floor?

The male pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and prostate. These muscles play a critical role in:

• Bladder and bowel control
• Sexual function and ejaculation
• Core stability
• Supporting the pelvic organs against gravity and intra-abdominal pressure

The anatomy is different from the female pelvic floor, but the functional principles are the same — and the consequences of dysfunction are similarly significant.

Common Pelvic Floor Problems in Men

Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

This is the most common cause of pelvic floor dysfunction in men. Radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate for prostate cancer) frequently causes urinary incontinence due to damage to the urethral sphincter and surrounding pelvic floor structures. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is the first-line treatment and is highly effective when started promptly after surgery.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Also called chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), this condition affects an estimated 10–15% of men and is characterized by chronic pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscle tension and dysfunction are increasingly recognized as a primary driver of CP/CPPS.

Erectile Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles play a direct role in erectile function and ejaculation. Pelvic floor dysfunction — particularly weakness or poor coordination — can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Pelvic floor training has been shown in clinical studies to improve erectile function in men with pelvic floor-related ED.

Urinary Urgency and Frequency

Overactive bladder symptoms — sudden urgent need to urinate, frequent urination — affect men as well as women, and pelvic floor dysfunction is frequently a contributing factor.

Bowel Control Issues

Fecal urgency and incontinence, while less common than urinary symptoms, can also result from pelvic floor dysfunction in men.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men?

• Prostate surgery — the most common cause of significant pelvic floor dysfunction in men
• Pelvic floor overactivity (hypertonia) — too-tight pelvic floor muscles, often associated with chronic pelvic pain
• Aging — natural muscle loss and reduced coordination over time
• Sedentary lifestyle — lack of movement reduces pelvic floor muscle tone
• High-impact sport history — repeated impact load without adequate pelvic floor support

Treatment: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Works for Men Too

The evidence for pelvic floor muscle training in men is strong — particularly for post-prostatectomy incontinence and erectile dysfunction. A 2019 Cochrane Review found that pelvic floor muscle training significantly reduced urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy compared to no treatment.

For men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, pelvic floor physiotherapy — focused on relaxation and lengthening rather than strengthening — has shown significant benefit in multiple clinical studies.

Finding Help

Pelvic floor physiotherapy for men is available from physiotherapists with specialized training in male pelvic health. In the US, the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (APTA) directory includes practitioners who work with male patients.

At-home pelvic floor training tools and educational resources are increasingly available for men — though most current products are designed primarily for women. If you're a man dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, professional assessment is the recommended starting point.

The Bottom Line

Pelvic floor dysfunction is not exclusively a women's issue. Men experience it too — and like women, they often suffer in silence because the topic is rarely discussed. If you're experiencing urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor dysfunction is worth investigating with a qualified healthcare provider.

For women looking for at-home pelvic floor support, explore the SculptHer PelviRestore — designed specifically for women's pelvic floor health, with over 351 verified reviews. The PelviRestore is HSA/FSA eligible.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.