The Role of Pelvic Floor PT in Treating Men's Pelvic Health Conditions

Katie Beckham • July 25, 2025

Men’s health conversations usually focus on fitness, testosterone, or heart disease. But there's another issue many men face that rarely gets mentioned: pelvic floor dysfunction.

If you’re dealing with discomfort while sitting, experiencing slow stream initiation, or changes in sexual function, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. I work with men every week in my practice who’ve been told their lab work looks “normal,” yet something still feels off in their bodies.

What’s often overlooked is the group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis—the pelvic floor—which plays a critical role in how your bladder, bowel, and sexual function work. When these muscles stop functioning in a coordinated fashion, it doesn’t show up on an MRI, but can impact your daily life in very real ways. I see this every day, especially in guys seeking men’s pelvic floor physical therapy in Houston, including neighborhoods like Memorial and Spring Branch.


What Is the Male Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that form a supportive sling from your pubic bone to your tailbone.


These muscles do three main jobs:

  • Support: They help hold your bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs in place.
  • Control: They assist in starting and stopping urine and bowel movements.
  • Sexual Function: They’re directly involved in achieving and maintaining erections, as well as ejaculation.
  • Support for your core and trunk


When the pelvic floor is too tight, too weak, or poorly coordinated, problems can show up as pain, urgency, leaking, or sexual challenges. And no—this isn’t just a “women’s issue.” Men have pelvic floors, too, and they can experience dysfunction at any age. I work with clients from Bunker Hill Villages, Memorial, and nearby areas who are often surprised to learn this.


Conditions Pelvic Floor PT Can Help Treat

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t always follow a clear pattern. Some men experience muscle tightness. Others have weaknesses. Many deal with both. Below are some of the most common conditions I treat—and how pelvic PT can help.


Urinary Dysfunction

What it looks like:

  • Difficulty starting or stopping the urine stream
  • Leaking with sneezing, coughing, or lifting
  • Sudden urges to urinate, sometimes with little warning
  • Feeling like you didn’t empty your bladder
  • Frequent urination
  • Up multiple times at night to void
  • Notable or unwanted changes in ejaculation quality

What’s going on:
This isn’t always a bladder or prostate problem—it’s often muscular. A tight pelvic floor can prevent full relaxation during urination. A weak pelvic floor can lead to leaking under pressure. In both cases, pelvic PT retrains how those muscles work in timing, strength, and release.

Many men who come to me for men’s pelvic floor physical therapy in Spring Branch or Houston have spent months,seen multiple physicians, taken multiple antibiotics, looking for answers before discovering this connection.


Pelvic Pain (Chronic Prostatitis / CPPS)

What it looks like:

  • Dull, aching, or burning in the testicles, perineum, penis, or rectum
  • Pain during or after sitting
  • Discomfort during intimacy or ejaculation


What’s going on:
Over 90% of men diagnosed with “prostatitis” don’t have an infection. Instead, they’re dealing with
chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)—often related to tight, overactive pelvic floor muscles. My approach focuses on calming those muscles, using hands-on techniques to release tension, adding comfortable pelvic floor stretches, and retraining the nervous system to reduce pain.


Sexual Dysfunction (ED, Pain, Decreased Sensation)

What it looks like:

  • Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
  • Pain with arousal or ejaculation
  • Less sensation or response during sex


What’s going on:
Erections rely on more than blood flow. The pelvic floor muscles are deeply involved in maintaining firmness, timing, and even sensation. When they’re too tight, weak, or poorly coordinated, it can impact sexual function.

This is one of the most common concerns among men seeking men’s pelvic floor physical therapy in Memorial and Bunker Hill Villages—especially those who’ve had no clear answers from urology visits.


Bowel Dysfunction

What it looks like:

  • Constipation or needing to strain
  • Pain with bowel movements
  • Incomplete emptying
  • Bloating, belching, farting, and abdominal discomfort


What’s going on:
Healthy bowel function depends on proper diet, proper exercise, and coordinated pelvic floor function. As a clinician with significant training in nutrition, I focus on non-inflammatory diet and lifestyle education. I work with clients from
Spring Branch and Memorial neighborhoods experiencing unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms.


Post-Prostatectomy Recovery

What it looks like:

  • Urinary incontinence (especially after coughing or movement)
  • Changes in sexual performance or sensation


What’s going on:
After prostate surgery, many men struggle with leakage or ED, not because something went wrong, but because those internal muscles need retraining. Pelvic floor PT supports recovery by teaching the body to reactivate and coordinate those deep stabilizers. I’ve seen excellent outcomes in men pursuing
men’s pelvic floor physical therapy in Bunker Hill Villages and surrounding Houston areas after prostate procedures.


What to Expect at Your First Visit

A lot of men put off getting help because they’re embarrassed or unsure what pelvic floor therapy involves. I get it—it’s unfamiliar. Here’s what the first session looks like:

We start with a private, one-on-one conversation about what’s going on. I take a full history, including medical procedures, exercise habits, nutrition and sexual function.

Then I look at posture, breathing, hip and trunk movement, and how your core is functioning. With your consent, I include an assessment of all three layers of pelvic floor.The third layer of pelvic floor is assessed internally via the rectum. You have full permission to consent or decline this third layer assessment.

From there, I build a plan to address your individual goals. That may include manual therapy, movement retraining, guided breathing, or changes to how you sit, stand, or use your core. This is not just about “doing Kegels”—in fact, Kegels often make things worse when tension is the problem.


You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Pelvic floor issues don’t get better by ignoring them. And they’re not just something you have to “live with.” Whether you’re struggling with pain, leaking, or changes in sexual function, these are physical problems with physical solutions.

If you're in Houston, especially around Memorial, Bunker Hill Villages, or Spring Branch, and something doesn’t feel right, I want you to know this: you’re not the only one dealing with it, and you don’t have to keep guessing what’s going on.

I provide men’s pelvic floor physical therapy in Houston to help you get answers and take back control of your health confidentially, respectfully, and at your own pace. Contact me and book a visit. 


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By Katie Beckham May 28, 2025
Most men rarely think about their pelvic floor—until something starts to feel off. Whether it's persistent groin pain, frequent trips to the bathroom, discomfort during intimacy, or unexplained lower back or hip pain, these issues are often silently endured and misunderstood. What many don’t realize is that these symptoms may be tied to a condition called pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) . This condition is more common than most people—and many healthcare providers—realize. Thankfully, with the right care, it’s also highly treatable. What Is Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue at the base of your pelvis. In men, these muscles support important organs, including the bladder, rectum, and prostate, and are critical for bowel and bladder control, sexual function, and core stability. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles are too tight, too weak, or poorly coordinated . Instead of relaxing properly to allow urination or bowel movements, the muscles stay tense, leading to a wide range of symptoms that may affect everyday life. Common Symptoms in Men Pelvic floor dysfunction can show up differently for each person, but most symptoms fall into one or more of the following categories: Urinary Issues Frequent urge to urinate with little output Hesitation or difficulty starting the urine stream A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying Pain or burning during or after urination Dribbling after urination Bowel Dysfunction Constipation or straining during bowel movements A feeling of incomplete evacuation Pain before, during, or after bowel movements Gas or stool leakage Sexual Dysfunction Pain with arousal or ejaculation Erectile dysfunction or trouble maintaining erections Testicular, penile, or perineal pain Numbness or decreased sensation during sex Musculoskeletal Pain Pain in the perineum, tailbone, or sit bones Lower abdominal or groin pain Hip, lower back, or sacroiliac joint discomfort Tightness in the inner thighs or pelvic muscles These symptoms can be confusing and deeply personal, often leading men to delay seeking help. At Beckham Physical Therapy and Wellness, I frequently work with individuals who have struggled in silence for months or even years. Why the Condition Often Goes Undiagnosed One of the most frustrating realities of male pelvic floor dysfunction is how often it’s misdiagnosed . Many men are treated repeatedly for prostatitis , often with rounds of antibiotics—even when there’s no infection present. Unfortunately, most urologists receive little or no training in pelvic floor disorders during medical school, which means they may not recognize when muscle dysfunction, not infection, is the root cause. In fact, studies show that men with pelvic pain often spend up to seven years seeking an accurate diagnosis. During this time, symptoms may worsen, and quality of life may decline. This is why finding a knowledgeable pelvic floor therapist for men in Bellaire, Texas, is so crucial. What Causes Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? The causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can vary. Often, multiple contributing factors are at play. Some of the most common include: Post-surgical trauma (such as prostatectomy or vasectomy) Orthopedic injuries (spine, hip, or pelvic injuries) Excessive exercise or poor lifting mechanics Chronic constipation or habitual straining Long hours of sitting or a sedentary lifestyle Psychological stress, anxiety, or trauma Practices like jelqing or attempts at genital enhancement Not every case is tied to a dramatic event—sometimes, it’s the accumulation of stress, poor posture, or muscular imbalance over time. How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps The good news? Pelvic floor dysfunction is highly treatable, without surgery or medication. Working with a trained pelvic floor specialist allows men to address the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. As a leading pelvic floor physical therapist in Memorial, Texas , my approach includes: Manual therapy to release tight or spastic muscles Neuromuscular retraining to improve muscle coordination Breathwork and core training to restore pelvic stability Education on bladder/bowel habits, posture, and stress management Personalized exercise programs to support recovery at home I treat each individual holistically, recognizing that the pelvic floor is interconnected with the rest of the body—and that healing often involves addressing emotional and psychological components, too. Why Choose Beckham Physical Therapy and Wellness At Beckham Physical Therapy and Wellness, I specialize in one-on-one pelvic health care for both men and women. My setting in West Memorial is private, welcoming, and designed to put patients at ease. Many of my male clients tell me it’s the first time they’ve felt truly heard and understood. I’m proud to be a trusted pelvic floor therapist for men in Bellaire, Texas , offering: Over 40 years of clinical experience More than 15 years dedicated exclusively to pelvic health Gentle, evidence-based techniques Individualized treatment plans in a relaxed home-based setting And while this blog focuses on men’s health, I also offer expert care from a pelvic floor physical therapist for women in Memorial, TX , addressing conditions such as postpartum recovery, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, intercourse pain, endometriosis, and more. Whether you're navigating new symptoms or have been searching for answers for years, I am here to support your journey. Take the First Step Toward Relief If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, urinary urgency, bowel issues, or sexual discomfort, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep guessing. These are treatable conditions, and recovery is absolutely possible. Connect with a compassionate, experienced pelvic floor physical therapist in Memorial, Texas, who understands the unique challenges men face. At Beckham Physical Therapy and Wellness, I’m here to help you get back to living fully and comfortably. Relief begins with the right support. Schedule your consultation today.
By Katie Beckham February 24, 2025
HOUSTON – The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that works as a support system for the organs of the pelvis, including the bladder and the uterus. As those muscles weaken, the organs can fall south. However, new therapies allow for physical therapists to teach patients how to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and eliminate a lot of problems. During a consultation for pelvic floor physical therapy, Katie Beckham, Houston Methodist West Hospital pelvic floor physical therapist, tells women how it works. She said weakening or over-tightening of the pelvic floor can happen after having children, after cancer treatments or simply with age. “One of the biggest mistakes people make, trying to pull up and exercise the pelvic floor but they’re holding their breath,” Beckham explained. ‘Then we perform the activity like picking up our grandchild carrier seat, we have to let that pressure out somewhere or we’re going to dribble.” Lacking support in the pelvic floor can lead to lower back pain, urine urgency or difficulty emptying the bladder. “A physical therapist that specializes in this, teaches a patient how to maintain its proper pressures, how to use body mechanics properly, how to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, how to let them go, how to let things in and out,” Beckham said. Beckham teaches that by showing patients which lower ab muscles to strengthen. “Tightening two big sets of muscles, the lower abs, which I teach as skinny jeans,” she explained. “So, if you want to put on a pair of size 2 jeans and you really need a 12, you’re going to have to hollow out your belly, you’re going to have to pull your belly button towards your spine.” Showing patients with an internal exam is an option. Although maybe awkward, Beckham said it leads to fast, positive results. “Then the other big set, I teach it like an elevator, it’s the pelvic floor muscles, those are the muscles that shore up and close the opening to the urethra in the vagina and the rectum. So, we want to pull those up, it’s as if I had an exam finger in your vagina and I asked you to close the door of the elevator and pull the elevator up into your belly.” This kind of physical therapy can take anywhere from three weeks to three months. There are pelvic floor physical therapists at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas and these locations for Houston Methodist.