The male pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that sit like a supportive sling at the base of the pelvis. These muscles stretch from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back and help support the bladder, bowel and prostate.

Key muscles include the levator ani group and the coccygeus, which together form the pelvic diaphragm. They play an important role in, among other functions, bladder control (helping prevent leakage and urgency), bowel control, sexual function, supporting the prostate and pelvic organs as well as core stability and pressure control, working closely with the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

When these muscles become too weak, too tight, poorly coordinated, or irritated, a range of symptoms can develop. Common pelvic floor problems relating to a weak pelvic floor in men include: urinary leakage (especially after prostate surgery), dribbling after urination, reduced control during exercise or coughing.

Conversely, an overactive pelvic floor can lead to pelvic pain or pressure, painful ejaculation, difficulty starting/stopping urine flow, a feeling of incomplete emptying, urgency and frequency and/or straining to pass urine.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can worsen symptoms associated with prostate enlargement and bladder irritation.

Many men focus only on the prostate when urinary symptoms arise - but the pelvic floor muscles are often a key part of the picture. The good news is that, with the right exercises, breathing strategies, posture work and lifestyle adjustments, pelvic floor function can often be improved significantly.