FAQs

When to see your GP

Many people experience incontinence at some stage in their life. Although common, it's not normal. It isn't something that you have to live with for the rest of your life. With exercise and/or the help of a specialist, many people are able to improve and cure their symptoms.

What is male pelvic floor therapy?

Treatment is variable, again depending on your symptoms, diagnosis and preferences. It often includes pelvic floor exercises and relaxation techniques.

What is male pelvic floor massage?

Pelvic floor massage means using either a finger or a small gadget, such as a medical grade glass wand, to apply gentle pressure or stretching movements to the pelvic floor muscles.

How is a male pelvic floor exam done?

Male pelvic floor therapy is very similar to female pelvic floor therapy. It starts with a discussion and asking lots of questions. After that, the physiotherapist may assess your pelvic floor.

Can I do pelvic floor exercises?

For women who experience problems – such as bladder or bowel leakage, or pelvic organ prolapse – pelvic floor muscle exercises should be practised up to six times a day. Men should not do pelvic floor muscle exercises routinely, but they are important for men who experience bladder or bowel problems, such as urinary leakage after a prostate operation.

Are pelvic floor muscle exercises safe?

The most important point is that yes, they are absolutely safe! There is excellent research to show that this can help keep your pelvic floor healthy, and prevent problems such as stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Are pelvic floor muscles part of your core?

The core means the centre or main part of the body, and refers to the muscles and structures around the pelvis, lower abdomen and lower back.

How is the pelvic floor formed?

At the bottom of the pelvis is the pelvic floor. This is the group of muscles that support the internal organs, such as the bladder and bowels (and the womb, in women).

What are Kegels? And how are they different from pelvic floor muscle exercises?

Kegels is simply another term people use to refer to the same group of muscles. And the same exercises!

Are there male pelvic floor therapists?

Gradually, there is increasing interest in working in this field from male clinicians, but there are far fewer men than women at this stage.

Why do we need to do pelvic floor exercises?

Much like your arm, leg or abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor muscles can be trained and strengthened with a regular exercise programme.

Are pelvic floor specialists covered by insurance?

Many people have private healthcare insurance, often as an employee benefit. It is essential to read the details of your insurance policy, or to speak to an advisor, to be clear about what they will and will not cover.

Are pelvic floor exercises good for haemorrhoids?

Pelvic floor exercises will not cause, aggravate or worsen piles. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that they will help to prevent or treat them either.

#Oopsmoment – what do pelvic health physiotherapists really think about the phrase?

It’s a phrase you see increasingly in advertising and on social media. The term is usually accompanied by images that dumb down the situation.

Can pelvic floor muscle exercises cause pain?

There are times when pelvic floor muscles exercises can hurt. This is when they might cause or aggravate symptoms, such as pelvic or vaginal pain or bladder and bowel symptoms.

Can pelvic floor muscle exercises cause bleeding?

Pelvic floor exercises do not cause bleeding. There are times where pelvic floor exercises may cause or aggravate symptoms such as pelvic or vaginal pain, or bladder and bowel symptoms.

How is male pelvic floor physical therapy done?

Male pelvic floor therapy is very similar to female pelvic floor therapy. It starts with a discussion and asking lots of questions. After that, the physiotherapist may assess your pelvic floor.

Can I do pelvic floor exercises at home?

You don’t need any equipment or special clothes to do pelvic floor exercises and no-one else will know that you are doing them. They are easy to do at home, in the office or even in the car (but not if you are driving as you should give them your full concentration).

Useful contacts and further information

The following sources will provide further information and support on pelvic floor, bladder and bowel problems.