It is rare for a group of men to sit around a table together and openly discuss problems with their pelvic floor function. Sadly, it is just as rare for that conversation to happen in a medical setting, not to mention a physical therapy setting.
It turns out, dysfunction of the pelvic floor in men is a lot more common than we once understood. But too many men aren’t seeking treatment for a variety of reasons, and that’s a problem. Here are four of the main reasons.
Taboo. Culturally there are taboos around discussing the male pelvic floor. While this is changing, we find that many men are afraid to even discuss their symptoms with their medical providers in the worry that those discussions will be labeled as inappropriate.
Sensitivity. These are delicate topics and deeply meaningful systems for men. Many don’t want to admit things aren’t going right “down there.” Pelvic floor function is often correlated to male status and functionality. Admitting imperfection can feel incredibly vulnerable.
Misdiagnosis. Many men are being misdiagnosed and not getting the relief they need. Pelvic floor dysfunction in men mimics other medical conditions, which can understandably confound the treatment. But when that treatment is not successful, we find that many of our patients feel dismissed as a “hopeless case” or are felt to believe the condition is all in their heads. These failed attempts naturally increase anxiety about the symptoms in many, worsening the problems even further.
Access. Across the country men are finding it challenging to connect with providers trained and able to treat them. Many men find clinics that treat women but do not employ providers comfortable or trained to treat men.
More male patients have pelvic health conditions but won’t tell — and they won’t unless asked. “Do you experience any urinary urgency or dribbling?” Starting a conversation with a question can open the door to discuss concerns that they might not mention otherwise and allow them the help some men need.
Could you benefit from Pelvic Floor PT? Challenge yourself to set aside your own potentional discomfort and find out.
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This piece originally appeared in APTA American Physical Therapy Association
Perspective Authors: Jake Bartholomy, PT, DPT, Grant Headley, PT, DPT, Daniel J. Kirages, PT, DPT, and Chad Woodard, PT, DPT
