Prostatectomy and Your Pelvic Floor Health: What Men Need to Know
Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)
When we think of pelvic floor issues, the focus often falls on women, especially those who have had children. However, it’s essential to recognize that men also have a pelvic floor—and it plays a vital role in their health. At Empower Your Pelvis, we work with many men to address symptoms that impact their quality of life, especially after procedures like a prostatectomy.
Understanding the Male Pelvic Floor and Common Symptoms
Just like women, men can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary leakage (often after prostate surgery), pelvic pain, muscle tension, and even constipation. Seeing a pelvic health specialist can make a world of difference, helping men navigate these issues and improve their quality of life.
Prostatectomy: How It Impacts the Pelvic Floor
For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, a common treatment option is a prostatectomy, or the surgical removal of the prostate. The prostate gland sits just below the bladder, with the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder) passing directly through it. During the procedure, parts of the urethra and sometimes the bladder neck may be surgically adjusted or repaired. Nerve sparing depends on the unique nature of each patient’s cancer and is determined by the surgeon.
After prostatectomy, nearly all men experience some degree of urinary incontinence. While many regain control over time, some find that incontinence either persists or doesn’t improve as expected. This is where pelvic floor strength, endurance, and proper muscle activation become crucial.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
A pelvic floor physical therapist specializes in exercises and techniques that help men strengthen and properly engage their pelvic muscles during daily activities. These exercises can be beneficial whether they’re started before or after a prostatectomy, providing support for managing incontinence and boosting recovery.
If you or a loved one is preparing for or has undergone a prostatectomy and is dealing with urinary incontinence, connecting with a pelvic floor physical therapist can be an invaluable step. And if in-person support isn’t an option, Empower Your Pelvis offers an online program designed to guide you through the process, from understanding the pelvic floor’s role to performing exercises that promote recovery.
Get Professional Help
If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.
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With wellness in your pelvis-
Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)