Practical, private support for men’s pelvic health
What is men's pelvic health physiotherapy?
Pelvic health conditions affecting men can be very distressing and are more common than you may realise. Bladder and bowel dysfunction, changes following prostate surgery, chronic pelvic pain and sexual function concerns can all affect lifestyle, confidence, and physical and emotional wellbeing. Pelvic health physiotherapy may assist before and after prostate surgery, and with concerns involving bladder control, bowel function, pelvic pain and pelvic floor function.
What it can help with
- Preparation before prostate surgery
- Recovery following prostate surgery
- Urinary leakage or incontinence
- Urgency, frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Bowel dysfunction or constipation
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic floor weakness, overactivity or poor coordination
- Sexual function concerns
Your assessment
Assessment is discussed sensitively and guided by your needs, goals and consent. Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, bladder and bowel habits, sexual function, and any surgery or medical history, then assess how your pelvic floor muscles are working.
Symptoms can have a number of contributing factors, including pelvic floor function, prostate conditions or surgery, constipation, toileting habits, medication and neurological conditions, so we look at the whole picture.
Your treatment
If you are having prostate surgery, a pre-operative appointment allows you to become familiar with your pelvic floor muscles and learn the correct exercise technique beforehand, sometimes with real-time ultrasound to give you visual feedback. Research supports commencing pelvic floor exercises before surgery to assist with recovery and return to continence. After surgery, leakage is common and recovery varies between individuals. Rehabilitation may include pelvic floor muscle training, bladder and bowel retraining, and a gradual return to everyday activities and exercise, in line with the advice of your surgeon and treating team.
For other concerns, treatment may include an individualised pelvic floor program, pain education, relaxation strategies, and advice about healthy bladder and bowel habits. Where appropriate, we liaise with your surgeon, GP or other health professionals.