First off, if you are suffering with pelvic pain ... YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Many men suffer in silence with their pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain is very prominent and more common than one would think. When we think of pelvic health we generally associate it to women, but what about the men? Don’t they also have a pelvis? In fact, people don’t talk about it enough. So let’s talk.
If you feel like you’re suffering from any of these symptoms a pelvic health professional can be helpful. For example, if you’re living with:
- Post-prostatectomy incontinence
- Pelvic pain and penile pain syndromes
- Tight pelvic floor or feeling of heaviness
- Symptoms of bladder/bowel retention
- Leaking urine when you cough/laugh/sneeze/exercise
- Pain in lower abdomen, groin, scrotum, or penis
- Pain during intercourse
Some other possible conditions that affect pelvic health and concerns are:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Chronic constipation
- Incontinence and nocturia (excessive urination at night)
- Benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
- Difficult recovery from prostatectomy
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
Here are some statistics to keep in mind:
- “Urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain impact 3.3 million Canadians (nearly 10% of the population) each year.” Canadian Continence Foundation
- “About 10% of men in their 40’s and 25% of men in their 70’s experience moderate to severe urinary symptoms.” Canadian Continence Foundation
Why physiotherapy? What can it do for you?
When meeting with a pelvic physiotherapist you can expect one-on-one care. Within this time they can educate, and help you treat the condition in promise of safety, dignity, and privacy, with your time, patience and commitment. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Lets take care of ourselves and get in our best shape. Age is not an excuse for issues like these!
What your treatment plan may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle training (training & relaxation)
- Urge management strategies, and toilet techniques for both bladder & bowel.
- Explaining how your bladder and & bowel should work.
- Tips on how to reduce pain during sex.Although many wonder if it is related to their prostate (particularly as you hit 40 years of age for your exam), musculoskeletal pain in the pelvic area is often exactly that ... a muscle problem. More specifically the pelvic floor muscles, located inside your pelvis.
For more information check out the Canadian Physiotherapy Association article "Male pelvic pain: The same old store - but it doesn't have to be", to learn more. While you are there checkout all the other articles that may interest you .... May is National Physiotherapy Month!