Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Signs And Symptoms

Male pelvic floor dysfunction is a dysfunction of muscles, nerves, and connective tissues in the male pelvic floor region. There is a set of muscles called the pelvic floor muscles that hold the pelvic organs (brain, rectum, and prostate). Misfiring these muscles can cause a wide range of undesirable and even disabling symptoms. This page will cover the symptoms of male pelvic floor dysfunction, its causes, and treatment options.

Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Signs And Symptoms

Anatomy and Function of the Pelvic Floor in Men

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles, ligaments and nerves that hold pelvic organs such as the bladder, prostate and rectum in place. The pelvic floor muscles regulate urination and excretion, pelvic organs, and sex function.

In males, the levator ani and the coccygeus muscles are the muscles of the pelvic floor. They are sling muscles that hold the pelvic organs in place, regulating urinary and bowel function. The pudendal nerve, which innervates the pelvic floor muscles, is also involved in male pelvic floor dysfunction.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is one of the most frequent male pelvic floor disorders. It involves the voluntary release of urine during coughing, sneezing, or as a result of lifting heavy objects. It can also occur while running or engaging in sports. UTIs are embarrassing and can significantly compromise a person’s quality of life.

2. Pelvic Floor / Bowel Failure: Pelvic floor problems also affect the bowel. This may be accompanied by constipation, constipation, or incontinence (involuntary faecal discharge). Such symptoms can be uncomfortable and may lead to frequent trips to the bathroom that can take time away from everyday life.

3. Pelvic Region Pain: Pelvic region pain is another common symptom of male pelvic floor dysfunction. This is often felt in the lower abdomen, groin, or perineum (between the scrotum and anus). It can be flat or tipped, and it can be moderate or severe. Pain may be coupled with a sense of heaviness or tightness in the pelvis.

4. Erectile Dysfunction: In men, sexual function can be impacted by dysregulated pelvic floor muscles. It can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection, or to ejaculate without pain or discomfort. These symptoms are not only detrimental to a man’s sexual health, but also problematic in a relationship.

5. Muscles tightening or spasming: If the pelvic floor is dysfunctional, the pelvic floor muscles get tight or spastic. This can cause pelvic pain and discomfort, and may cause urinary or intestinal issues.

Causes of Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Male pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Age-Related Changes

Getting older is one of the major factors behind male pelvic floor dysfunction. In fact, ageing can damage men’s pelvic floor muscles and cause urinary and bowel symptoms of some sort. Such thinning might result from diminished testosterone levels, changes in the structure of muscle fibres, and the reduction in physical activity accompanying old age. Men might have symptoms including a sense of urgency, excessiveness and incontinence, which can be very upsetting and negatively impact the quality of life of a person.

2. Surgical Interventions

Even surgeries – particularly those that involve the prostate – dramatically alter the way the pelvic floor works. Men undergoing prostatectomy- for cancer, even benign prostatic hyperplasia- can have pelvic floor dysfunction as a result of nerve damage or muscle weakness. The surgical dissection of surrounding tissue throws the pelvic floor muscles out of balance, causing an upset of the bowels or urination.

3. Chronic Medical Conditions

Chronic conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries all influence pelvic floor strength and function significantly. Diabetes, for example, damages nerves – neuropath – which can reduce muscle control over the bladder and bowel, which causes them to malfunction. Equally, multiple sclerosis tends to cause neurological damage that interferes with the normal functioning of the pelvic floor. In spinal cord injuries, nerve damage can interfere with the receiving and transmitting of signals between the brain and pelvic floor muscles, making it difficult to urinate or control the bowels.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Some of the causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are due to lifestyle choices. Large men, especially those with a history of obesity are still more vulnerable as weight adds stress on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to weakening and failure. Conversely, smoking also degrades blood circulation, thereby clogging blood vessels in the muscles and nerves of the pelvis. Lack of exercise or sitting all day is another contributor to degenerated pelvic floor muscles. It is imperative that you exercise regularly for general well-being as well as muscle stability in particular pelvic muscles.

Treatment Options:

The diagnosis and treatment for male pelvic floor dysfunction will vary based on the cause and extent of symptoms. In some cases, a simple lifestyle modification can relieve symptoms. Those could include doing pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) every day, keeping your weight under control, and avoiding activities that overload the pelvic floor muscles.

More severe conditions might require physical therapy. This can include a physical therapist, stretching and exercising the pelvic floor muscles. Even biofeedback therapy, which monitors muscle tension through sensors, can be useful in teaching people to ease their pelvic floor muscles.

Sometimes medications can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms like pain or incontinence. If the disorder results from nerve damage, nerve stimulation can be used to restore function.

Surgery should be the last resort in severe male pelvic floor dysfunction. These can include surgeries to repair or enlarge the pelvic floor muscles, bladder, or rectum.

Conclusion: Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Signs And Symptoms

Male pelvic floor dysfunction is a life-threatening condition that degrades men’s quality of life. There are causes, but it’s painful and embarrassing. This means that you absolutely must consult with a doctor in order to identify the reason and formulate a treatment strategy. Properly treated, most men are able to significantly reduce symptoms and improve their general pelvic condition.