Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Is Not Just a Women's Issue
Despite being widely discussed in the context of women's health, pelvic floor dysfunction affects a significant number of men, and the consequences can be just as disabling. Urinary leakage, urgency, post-toilet dribble, and difficulty emptying the bladder are not signs of normal ageing. They are symptoms of a pelvic floor that is not functioning as it should, and they respond well to targeted physiotherapy.
Men with pelvic floor dysfunction are significantly less likely than women to seek treatment, often tolerating symptoms for years. The evidence base for physiotherapy in male urinary incontinence is strong, and first-line treatment guidelines recommend pelvic floor muscle training before pharmacological or surgical intervention
You don't have to manage this alone. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a Medicare‑recognised intervention for urinary incontinence in men. You do not need a referral to book — and you do not need to accept these symptoms as permanent.
Conditions Treated
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Leakage with coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercise. Common after prostate surgery. Responds well to targeted pelvic floor strengthening. text goes here
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A sudden intense urge to urinate that is difficult to defer. Often linked to overactive bladder and responds to bladder retraining.
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Urine leaking after leaving the toilet. Caused by pooling in the bulbar urethra. Resolved with specific bulbocavernosus muscle training.
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Urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia without infection. A combination of bladder retraining and pelvic floor rehabilitation is first-line.
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Difficulty initiating urination, poor stream, or incomplete emptying. Can involve overactive pelvic floor muscles that impede normal bladder function.
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Following radical prostatectomy, cystectomy, or colorectal surgery. Early physiotherapy intervention significantly accelerates continence recovery.
The Two Sides of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
A common misconception is that pelvic floor dysfunction always means weak muscles. Overactivity — where the pelvic floor is chronically tense — is equally common and requires a very different treatment approach. Treating a hypertonic (tight) pelvic floor with strengthening exercises can worsen symptoms. This is why accurate assessment using real-time ultrasound biofeedback is essential before any program begins.
Common Myths
Myth
Bladder leakage is a normal part of getting older for men.
Fact
It is common, but not normal. Urinary incontinence at any age indicates a dysfunction that can be assessed and treated.
Myth
If I just do Kegel exercises, my symptoms will improve.
Fact
Generic exercises produce limited results when technique is poor or the exercise type doesn't match the dysfunction. RTUS-guided training is significantly more effective.
Myth
Surgery or medication is the only real solution for incontinence.
Fact
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is first-line treatment in all major clinical guidelines. Medication and surgery are reserved for cases that haven't responded to conservative management.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Initial Assessment (60 minutes)
Comprehensive symptom history, bladder diary review, and full physical assessment of pelvic floor function using real-time ultrasound biofeedback.
Personalised Program Design
A treatment plan tailored to your specific dysfunction — strengthening, downtraining, bladder retraining, or a combination — with a clear home exercise component.
Follow-Up Sessions (30–45 minutes)
Progressive program updates, biofeedback review, and ongoing education. Most men attend 4–8 sessions over 8–12 weeks.
Discharge and Maintenance
A self-managed maintenance program and specialist liaison as needed. Most men achieve their goals within 3 months.
Stop Managing Around It. Start Treating It.
One-on-one, evidence-based physiotherapy for male pelvic floor dysfunction. Private appointments in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney.
Call 0431 740 942 · tom@atlasphysiosydney.com.au · 7/469–475 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt NSW 2040