If you're a man, you've likely heard the term "pelvic floor" and particularly about how women should exercise these muscles, but did you know you might also benefit from pelvic floor exercises? Many men overlook this important set of muscles, which can result in problems such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain. Read on to discover the importance of your pelvic floor muscles and learn simple exercises to strengthen and improve control in these muscles for better overall health.
Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercises Male Table of Contents
What are pelvic floor muscles?
Why do men need to exercise their pelvic floor muscles?
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises for Men
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercises Male Example
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
What are pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the organs in your pelvis, including the bladder and bowel in men, and also the uterus and vagina in women. These muscles play a crucial role in your ability to control urine, bowel, and sexual function.
Why do men need to exercise their pelvic floor muscles?
Pelvic floor muscles can weaken over time due to several reasons like aging, obesity, heavy lifting, constant straining during bowel movements, and a lack of exercise. Some medical conditions, like prostate surgery, can also weaken these muscles. Regularly exercising your pelvic floor muscles can help:
- Improve bladder and bowel control
- Prevent incontinence
- Provide better support for your pelvic organs
- Improve sexual health and erectile function
- Reduce the risk of developing prolapse, a condition where the pelvic organs drop from their suspension within the pelvic cavity
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises for Men
Before getting into the exercises, it is essential to locate your pelvic floor muscles. To help identify them, try stopping the flow of urine mid-stream or tightening the muscles around your anus without bearing down or holding your breath. These muscles are the ones you need to exercise.
Once you know which muscles to target, here are some simple exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor:
Kegels
- Begin by lying down on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Take a deep breath, then as you exhale, tighten the pelvic floor muscles you identified earlier.
- Maintain the contraction for 5-10 seconds while focusing on your breath. No other muscles should contract during this time.
- Slowly relax your pelvic floor muscles over another 5-10 seconds.
- Repeat this process 10-15 times, three times a day.
Bridge
- While lying down on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, contract the pelvic floor muscles.
- Simultaneously, lift your buttocks off the floor into the bridge position.
- Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your hips back down while keeping the pelvic floor muscles engaged.
- Repeat 10-15 times, three times a day.
Squat
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Begin to lower your hips into a squat position while contracting your pelvic floor muscles.
- Hold the squat and muscles contraction for 5-10 seconds, then return to standing.
- Repeat 10-15 times, three times a day.
Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercises Male Example
Imagine a 45-year-old man named John who recently noticed difficulty in controlling his urine flow and occasional bouts of incontinence during heavy lifting. After consulting with his doctor, John began integrating pelvic floor exercises into his daily routine. Over time, John not only reduced his incontinence but also improved sexual health and reduced the risk of prolapse.
By incorporating pelvic floor muscle exercises into your daily routine, you can help maintain and improve your pelvic floor health. As with any exercise, consistency is key, so be diligent with doing these exercises. Share this article with friends and explore other guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy to uncover more ways men can improve their pelvic health and well-being. Remember, it's never too late to start taking control of your pelvic floor muscles and experience the benefits it has to offer.