

DID YOU KNOW….
1 in 9 Men suffer from Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions?
Physiotherapy can help with
- Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain including Chronic Prostatitis, Testicular and Penile pain syndromes
- Nocturia (frequent urination at night)
- Symptoms of retention which can often be associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and/or a tight pelvic floor
- Chronic Constipation
A recent Meta-Analysis indicated that beginning a pelvic floor muscle training program before radical prostatectomy and immediately after catheter removal can significantly improve urinary incontinence (Journal of Urology 2021)
1 in 7 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime and 59% will have urinary leakage after surgical removal of the prostate.
The Cause of Urinary Leakage in this population is primarily due to RADIATION FIBROSIS (Tissue stiffness/increase rigidity and decreased elasticity) of the following areas:
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- Muscle – compromised contractility and control of PFMs
- Urethra – Fibrosis/ Stiffness
- Vascularity – mucosal vascular changes
- Bladder – Fibrosis/ Stiffness ( decreased bladder capacity and decreased bladder volume at first urge 18 months post RT)
- Surrounding tissues – Connective tissue/scarring ( impacts mechanics of PFMs)
BUT EXERCISE MAY BE THE SOLUTION TO PREVENT FIBROTIC CHANGES IN PFMs AND MANAGE INFLAMMATION
- CPPS or Non Bacterial Prostatitis is the most common urologic diagnosis in men older than age 50 years and is the third most common diagnosis in men younger than age 50 years.
- The Pudendal nerve is the main nerve supplying the genitalia, bladder and rectum can become irritated due to prolonged cycling and/or sitting
- Is the result of the kidneys filtering too much bodily fluids
- High blood pressure and cardiac disease increase demand on kidneys
- Sugar and Sodium cause an increase in fluid retention for 2 hours before the kidneys will start to filtering the fluid. Therefore pay attention to what you are eating in your last meal before bed.
- Taking beta blockers can also influence bladder capacity, however we can’t change this one because patients require this medication to manage their disease
- Alcohol can significantly affect one’s sleep which inhibits the release of necessary hormones that prevent urine production through the night