Empowering Men: Managing Pelvic Floor Concerns After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Understanding Pelvic Floor Concerns After Prostate Cancer Treatment:

Prostate cancer treatment, whether surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy, can result in pelvic floor dysfunction. Common issues include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and reduced pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination. These concerns not only impact physical health but can also lead to emotional distress and decreased quality of life for affected individuals.

The Role of Exercise Physiology:

Exercise physiology offers a holistic approach to addressing pelvic floor concerns in men post-prostate cancer treatment. Through personalized exercise programs, accredited exercise physiologists can:

• Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles:
  • Develop tailored pelvic floor muscle exercises to enhance strength, endurance, and coordination.
• Improve Bladder Control:
  • Focus on exercises that target the muscles surrounding the bladder to promote better control and minimize leakage.
• Enhance Core Stability:
  • Integrate exercises to strengthen the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back.
  • Improved core stability can indirectly support pelvic floor function and contribute to better overall continence.
• Address Erectile Dysfunction:
  • Incorporate cardiovascular and resistance training exercises to improve blood flow and cardiovascular health, which can positively impact erectile function.
• Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, including diet and stress management techniques, to support sexual health and wellbeing.
• Promote Overall Wellbeing:
  • Design comprehensive exercise programs that address not only pelvic floor concerns but also encompass cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance.
• Support mental health by encouraging physical activity as a means of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression commonly experienced post-treatment.

Collaborative Approach:

In managing pelvic floor concerns after prostate cancer treatment, collaboration between healthcare professionals is essential. Exercise physiologists work closely with your urologists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to care. This allows us to address your unique goals and get the most out of your treatment.

Pelvic floor concerns following prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact men’s quality of life. However, with the guidance of Accredited Exercise Physiologists, individuals can regain control, improve function, and enhance their overall wellbeing. Through personalized exercise programs focusing on pelvic floor strengthening, core stability, and holistic health promotion, men can experience meaningful improvements in their pelvic floor function and regain confidence in their daily activities and relationships. We empower men to thrive beyond prostate cancer treatment, embracing life with vitality and resilience.

If you’d like to learn more about managing pelvic floor concerns, please reach out.

Tamika Hassum – Accredited Exercise Physiologist

References and to learn more:

Pelvic floor first (https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/had-prostate-surgery.html)

Exercise is Medicine (http://exerciseismedicine.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/EIM-FactSheet_Prostate-Cancer_Professional_FINAL.pdf)