A Man's Core
What are the pelvic floor muscles?
The floor of the pelvis is made up of layers of muscle and other tissues. These layers stretch like a hammock from the tail bone at the back to the pubic bone in front. A man's pelvic floor supports the bladder and the bowel. The urethra (urine tube) and the rectum (back passage) pass through the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bladder and bowel control.
Why the pelvic floor muscles may weaken
The pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by:
- Some prostate gland surgery
- Continual straining to empty your bowels (constipation)
- Persistent heavy lifting
- A chronic cough (such as smoker's cough or
chronic bronchitis and asthma) - Being overweight
- Lack of general fitness
Why should men do pelvic floor exercises ?
A strong pelvic floor muscle is important for men too. Women have been encouraged to exercise their pelvic floor muscle for decades, but now we understand that it is just as vital for men, and especially for men with specific health issues. Research has found that:
- A strong pelvic floor overcomes erectile dysfunction
- A regular program of pelvic floor exercise achieves the same success rate as Viagra.
- Pelvic floor exercises are a safer and cheaper option than drugs; Viagra is associated with damage to the eyes and vision in a significant number of men using it, but exercises are safe for everyone. Medications are much more costly than an exercise program.
- Pelvic floor exercise can increase awareness of sexual sensations and enhance enjoyment.
- Pelvic floor exercises can bring a dramatic improvement for men who experience dribbling after urinating.
- Pelvic floor exercises are strongly recommended for men following a prostatectomy; research has shown that pelvic floor strengthening can improve sexual function and overcome incontinence.
How Pelvic Floor Exercise and Biofeedback can help you:
- Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve control of the bladder and the bowel.
- Pelvic floor exercises may also be useful in conjunction with a bladder training program, aimed at improving bladder control in people who experience the urgent need to pass urine frequently (urge incontinence).
- Biofeedback can help you visually identify, isolate and exercise pelvic floor muscles without help.
Body builders do not build strong biceps by repeatedly contracting their arms in the air; they do it by using weights or other devices that provide resistance.
Biofeedback and other exercisers can provide feedback that the exercise is being done correctly. Many men find it extremely hard to do anal pelvic floor contractions correctly, especially when they first begin, so they benefit from using a device that confirms that the correct muscle is being exercised and that the contraction is being fully held for maximum benefit.
Be Courageous!
Call today for a consultation
978-412-4266
A Man's Core
caring for the inner workings of your body
Robin Howe, BSN RN
Continence Nurse Specialist
