This article was updated on June 10, 2026.
Let me answer this question right away: yes, men can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, and it can be a cause of pelvic pain. Just like women, men have a pelvis and a pelvic floor, which means dysfunction can occur in this area and contribute to symptoms such as pain, urinary issues, sexual dysfunction, and bowel concerns.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how pelvic floor dysfunction and other musculoskeletal issues may contribute to pelvic pain in men.
In today’s post, we’re going to be looking at how musculoskeletal issues can cause male pelvic pain. But just know that pelvic pain can be caused by other issues such as infection, hernia, etc. If you have pelvic pain, talk to your doctor to rule out anything that would require medical attention.
The Impact of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men
Chronic pelvic pain in men can feel isolating and debilitating. Pelvic pain can limit your ability to participate in physical activities, impact your sex life, and take a toll on your emotional well-being.
From my experience working in pelvic health, I know that people experiencing pelvic pain often feel alone and unsure of where to turn for help. Men, in particular, may feel this way because pelvic health is still not discussed nearly as often in relation to men’s health as it is women’s health.
I’m writing this post to help you better understand how pelvic floor dysfunction may contribute to pelvic pain and to remind you that you’re not alone. Many men experience pelvic pain and the symptoms that can come along with it, and there are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping people navigate these challenges.
What Does Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Mean?
When many people hear the term pelvic floor dysfunction, they automatically assume it means weakness, but that’s not always the case.
The word dysfunction simply means that something is not functioning as it should. Yes, this can mean weakness, but it can also mean excessive muscle tension (tightness) or difficulty coordinating the pelvic floor muscles properly. In other words, pelvic floor dysfunction is a broad term used to describe a musculoskeletal issue involving the pelvic floor.
A musculoskeletal issue is one that involves the muscles, ligaments, joints, or other supporting structures of the body. In regards to male pelvic pain, this often means there is an issue involving the pelvic floor muscles. (We’ll take a closer look at these muscles later in this article.)
If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction, try not to let the term scare you. It’s simply a way of describing a problem with how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning. For example, the muscles may be too tight, too weak, or have difficulty relaxing and coordinating appropriately.
I often compare this to a hamstring problem. If your hamstrings are extremely tight, very weak, or unable to function properly during movement, you could say there is a hamstring dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction follows the same concept; it simply refers to a problem with how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning.
Common Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Men
Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to a variety of symptoms in men. While the symptoms below may be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, they can also occur with other medical conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider for an appropriate evaluation.
- Pain in the penis, testes, perineum, or rectum
- Pain in the lower abdominal region
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Difficulty initiating a urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Pain with urination or bowel movement
- Pain with sex or ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction.
Not every male with pelvic floor dysfunction will experience all of these symptoms. In fact, symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another depending on the underlying cause and the muscles involved. While these symptoms can be frustrating, many men find relief once the underlying cause of their symptoms is properly identified and addressed.
What Is the Pelvic Floor and How Does It Relate to Pelvic Pain in Men?
Men have a pelvic floor just like women. While there are some anatomical differences between males and females, the basic structure and function of the pelvic floor are very similar.
Over the years, I have worked with male clients who were told that pelvic floor issues are primarily a “female problem.” This is a common misconception. Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in any gender because everyone has a pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles that extends from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles support important structures such as the bladder, prostate, and rectum. They also play an important role in bladder, bowel, and sexual function. This is why pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to symptoms involving urination, bowel movements, sexual function, and pelvic pain.
Like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor muscles can become tight, weak, or poorly coordinated. In men experiencing pelvic pain related to a musculoskeletal issue, increased pelvic floor muscle tension is often a contributing factor.
It may be surprising to learn that pelvic floor dysfunction can sometimes contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) as well. The pelvic floor muscles help support healthy blood flow and play an important role in achieving and maintaining an erection. Both weakness and excessive muscle tension can interfere with normal pelvic floor function and may contribute to sexual symptoms in some individuals.
Because the pelvic floor is involved in bladder, bowel, and sexual function, dysfunction in these muscles can present in many different ways. A pelvic health physical therapist can evaluate the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to help determine whether they may be contributing to your symptoms and what treatment approach may be most appropriate.
Other Common Issues Associated With Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
In my clinical experience, men experiencing pelvic pain often have muscle tension not only in the pelvic floor, but also in the surrounding muscles and tissues.
One area that commonly appears tight is the psoas muscle. The psoas is a hip flexor, meaning it helps lift your leg up toward your body. Although it is considered a hip muscle, it has close anatomical relationships to the pelvis and lower abdomen. Because of these connections, tension in the psoas can sometimes contribute to discomfort in the pelvic region.
Other areas that may commonly exhibit increased muscle tension include the hip adductors (inner thigh muscles), gluteal muscles, and lower abdominal region. Addressing restrictions in these areas through stretching, movement, manual therapy, and relaxation techniques may be an important part of treatment for some individuals.
I’ve created a free guide consisting of 3 yoga poses to help relax common areas of tightness associated with male pelvic pain. Click here to get your guide now!
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you better understand pelvic floor dysfunction in men and how it may contribute to pelvic pain.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, know that help is available. Pelvic pain can be frustrating, isolating, and overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Healthcare professionals, including pelvic health physical therapists, specialize in helping individuals identify contributing factors and develop treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. If you have not seen a pelvic health physical therapist, this is often a great place to start after being evaluated and cleared by your medical doctor.
Yoga can also be a helpful tool for some individuals, particularly when muscle tension, stress, breathing patterns, or movement restrictions are contributing to symptoms.
If you’re looking for individualized support, I offer private virtual yoga sessions that incorporate my background in pelvic health physical therapy. These sessions focus on movement, breathing, relaxation, and developing a practice tailored to your unique needs and goals.
If you’d like to learn more about whether private virtual yoga sessions may be a good fit for you, you can schedule a free consultation below!