Body
Research suggests that one in 12 men are affected by pelvic floor dysfunction. To learn more about its real-life impact on men, FOX 32 Chicago turned to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Ariana Alexander, DPT, a board-certified specialist in pelvic floor physical therapy.
In an interview for FOX 32, Dr. Alexander shared that pelvic floor dysfunction — such as urgent or frequent urination, sexual dysfunction and urine leakage after surgeries like prostate removal — is not only common, but can be both embarrassing and debilitating for men.
In fact, research suggests that 60% of men have trouble controlling their bladder after prostate surgery, and 85% of those affected are at a higher risk for suicide.
“I’ve seen men in this office be very upset about the fact that they’re still leaking urine and they have to carry pads around with them,” said Dr. Alexander in the segment. “That is emotionally draining and socially draining. They’re isolating themselves when these things happen.”
Though pelvic floor dysfunction is often associated with women’s health, Dr. Alexander shared that she treats more men than women. In the segment, she goes on to recommend that men do Kegel exercises two to three times a day over a few weeks to address symptoms.
Pelvic health rehabilitation is available at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for men, women, transgender, gender-neutral and nonbinary individuals. Physicians and physical therapists have expertise in treating the many symptoms that come with pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary frequency and urgency, pelvic pain, constipation, urinary/fecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
