Should guys do pelvic floor exercises too?

As men, we often focus on building upper body strength while neglecting the importance of training our pelvic muscles. Little do we know that the pelvic floor is a group of muscles that work together to support the bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs. When these muscles weaken, it can lead to urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and other complications. In an article from earlier this year, Dr. Karah Charette, a pelvic floor physical therapist, shared how pelvic floor exercises help with sexual dysfunction. Building off that, we will discuss the importance of pelvic floor exercises for men and provide helpful videos to get started.

What are Pelvic Floor Exercises?

Pelvic floor exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that support the pelvic organs. These exercises, also known as Kegels, help strengthen the pelvic muscles. To perform Kegels, you need to identify the right muscles, which are the ones you use to stop yourself from urinating mid-flow. 

But wait! There’s more to pelvic floor health than Kegels! As you’ll see at the end, there are a number of ways to improve your pelvic floor. 

Why are Pelvic Floor Exercises Important?

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in urinary and sexual function. When these muscles are weak, men may experience urinary incontinence, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. In addition to these issues, weak pelvic floor muscles can also lead to a prolapse, which is the descent of organs such as the bladder or rectum into the vaginal or rectal canal. Pelvic floor exercises can prevent and even treat these problems if performed regularly.

How to Perform Pelvic Floor Exercises?

The best thing about pelvic floor exercises is that you can do them anywhere and anytime without anyone noticing. Here's how to perform Kegels:

• Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down

• Take a deep breath and exhale slowly

• Squeeze the pelvic floor muscles and hold for 3-5 seconds

• Release and relax for 3-5 seconds

• Repeat the process for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times a day.

Helpful Pelvic Floor Videos to Get You Started

Pelvic Exercise for Men:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Workout for Men: 5 exercises to try:

In conclusion, pelvic floor exercises are essential for men to maintain urinary and sexual function. These exercises are easy to perform, and you can do them anywhere and anytime. By strengthening the pelvic muscles, you can prevent or treat urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and other complications. So, take the first step and incorporate pelvic floor exercises into your daily routine. With time and practice, you'll notice a significant improvement in your overall health and well-being.