What the pelvic floor does in men, and why they should train it too

Traditionally linked to women's health, this group of muscles and tissues is just as essential for men. What weakens it and how to keep it in shape to avoid urinary problems and sexual dysfunction.

By Valeria Chavez

Full article in Infobae

In men, the pelvic floor plays essential roles tied to urinary continence, sexual function, and postural stability. Although the pelvic floor is a topic traditionally associated with women's health, the importance of this muscle group in men is increasingly recognized.

It is a set of muscles and tissues that act as a hammock-shaped support inside the pelvis. In women, it holds organs such as the uterus, bladder, and intestines in place, ensuring they work properly.

And while its strengthening is usually discussed after pregnancy, this muscle group can also weaken or be damaged in men, linked to health issues or other factors.

What weakens the male pelvic floor

Prostatectomies can damage the structures associated with the pelvic floor, but today’s surgical techniques help preserve these functions. To better understand how a strong pelvic floor works and why it matters in men, Infobae spoke with urologist Gonzalo Vitagliano (MN 102.007), a specialist in laparoscopic and robotic surgery and Head of Uro-Oncology at Hospital Alemán, who explained that pelvic floor weakening in men does not affect everyone equally.

“The factors that affect men most are age, excess weight, and conditions that alter neurological function,” the urologist noted. Age, in particular, is key, since “muscles lose tone and working capacity over time,” which affects how the pelvic floor functions overall.

As for medical conditions, Vitagliano highlighted obesity as one of the main risk factors. “Obesity puts extra pressure on the pelvis and can contribute to weakening it,” he explained. Added to this are neurological diseases such as Parkinson and diabetes, which, as he mentioned, “affect the nerve signals that control the pelvic floor muscles, making proper contraction harder.”

Beyond these factors, lifestyle habits play a fundamental role. “Smoking and excessive alcohol use are well-known factors that harm muscle health in general,” Vitagliano said, pointing to a sedentary lifestyle as a risk factor and stressing that “a lack of physical activity favors muscle weakening, including the pelvic floor.”

If you are interested in this topic, read the full article in Infobae.