Think pelvic floor and you automatically assume it is something associated with females, but did you know that males have a pelvic floor too? 

Like females, the pelvic floor muscles are attached to the pubic bone at the front and the tail bone at the back. Working like a hammock it has a number of roles, including being responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the urethra and rectum to control the bladder and bowel. 

These muscles also play a role in our sex lives. For males, the pelvic floor muscles trap the blood flow to the penis to help maintain an erection and helps with ejaculation. 

Like all muscles within the human body, they need to be used, trained, and strengthened on a regular basis to ensure they work to their full potential. The male pelvic floor muscles are no different. 

A weak or underused pelvic floor can lead to several serious issues including: 

1. Bladder Problems: Leaking accidentally, urinating several times during the night, issues with urine flow.
2. Bowel Problems: Uncontrollable passing of wind, accidental leakage, straining to empty your bowels. 
3. Pelvic & Genital Pain: Pain in the testicles and penis, pain while sitting.
4.  Erectile Disfunction: Premature ejaculation, lack of erection firmness, or none at all.

There are several causes of having a weak pelvic floor muscles, they include:

1.  Being overweight/inactive.
2.  Regular heavy lifting.
3. Ageing.
4. Regular constipation or straining when going to the toilet.
5. Chronic coughing (smokers cough).
6.  Regular jumping / High impact exercise.

Finally, as many as 3 in every 10 Australian males experience or suffer from pelvic floor issues, those numbers alone show that it is quite common. The good news for males is that a weak pelvic floor can be fixed or improved by seeing a physiotherapist who specialises in this area.