Benefits of Training the Male Pelvic Floor: Interview with Antonio Ferrández

As a company committed to male sexual wellness, at MYHIXEL we’ve set out to shine a light on essential topics related to men’s health that, unfortunately, are often overlooked. One of our main goals is to make quality information accessible to everyone, which is why today we're focusing on a lesser-known subject: the male pelvic floor.

To explore this topic, we interviewed Antonio Ferrández Infante, Doctor of Medicine, Specialist in Sexology and Family Medicine, and Coordinator of the Sexology Working Group at SEMERGEN. In this interview, he shares his experience and explains why taking care of this part of the body is key to our overall quality of life.

Who is Antonio Ferrández?

Before diving into the topic, we’d like to introduce you to our guest expert.

Question (Q): Tell us about your background and how you came to specialize in male pelvic floor health.

Answer (A): Since 2001, I’ve been treating patients with sexual health issues continuously, both in public and private healthcare settings. I began applying pelvic floor rehabilitation techniques specifically for patients with premature ejaculation, and after confirming the tremendous benefits, I expanded the approach—first to men with erectile dysfunction, and later to women with anorgasmia and vaginismus. In all cases, proper pelvic floor training brought significant improvements to both male and female sexual response.

What is the male pelvic floor and how does it work?

Having some basic knowledge of anatomy would definitely help us all better understand its importance and how it functions.

Q: What exactly is the pelvic floor, and what role does it play in the male body?

A: The male pelvic floor is a complex structure made up primarily of muscles and connective tissue that form a supportive base at the bottom of the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, enabling sexual function, and facilitating bowel movements.

Q: Are there significant differences between the male and female pelvic floor?

A: Yes, there are both anatomical and functional differences. The female pelvic floor is wider and more flexible due to childbirth, which can make it more prone to certain disorders, such as organ prolapse. In contrast, the male pelvic floor is more compact and tends to have greater muscle tone, especially in areas crucial for continence and sexual function. Additionally, men and women activate and use these muscles differently in terms of strength and control.

What symptoms indicate a pelvic floor problem?

One of the best ways to prevent complications is by recognizing the warning signs early.

Q: What issues or dysfunctions are linked to a weakened pelvic floor in men?

A: Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to a variety of clinical problems, including incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and bowel disorders.

Q: What are the most common signs that a man should be concerned about his pelvic floor health?

A: The most common signs include symptoms related to urinary, sexual, and gastrointestinal function: urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and painful or premature ejaculation.

Prevention: Taking Care of the Pelvic Floor Before Problems Arise

You’ve heard it before—prevention is better than cure. And when it comes to sexual health, it's important to take care of it even when everything seems fine.

Q: Why is it important for men to take care of their pelvic floor even if they don’t have obvious symptoms?

A: Because dysfunction can exist without noticeable symptoms. Plus, it’s absolutely possible to prevent future issues and maintain healthy sexual function with proper preventive care. Early intervention is more effective, improves quality of life, and reduces potential risks.

Q: Are there specific groups of men who are more likely to experience pelvic floor problems?

A: Yes. High-impact athletes, intense cyclists, and older men are especially at risk, since aging and pelvic surgeries can contribute to dysfunction. Men with chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or those who engage in anal sexual activity also have a higher risk.

Exercises and Practical Care to Strengthen It

We’ve already talked about symptoms and risks. Now it’s time to focus on what you can do to take care of your pelvic floor.

Q: What specific exercises do you recommend to strengthen the male pelvic floor?
A: Kegel exercises are the foundation. They involve contracting and relaxing the correct muscles—the same ones you use to stop the flow of urine or hold in gas. It’s recommended to do them several times a day, in different positions.

Q: Are there common mistakes men make when trying to strengthen this area?

A: Yes. Using vague instructions, engaging the wrong muscles, or increasing intra-abdominal pressure are all common errors. Another frequent mistake is not following a structured and supervised plan.

Q: Do yoga, Pilates, or similar activities help with the male pelvic floor?

 A: Yes, they can be great complements to traditional exercises.

Myths, Taboos, and Lack of Awareness

Why is this topic still invisible to so many men?

Q: What are the most common myths about the male pelvic floor that you’d like to debunk?

A: That only women need to worry about it. That Kegel exercises are just for women, or that pelvic floor issues only affect older men. Also, that these exercises don’t require guidance or are too simple to get wrong.

Q: Why do you think there’s so much ignorance and taboo around this topic for men?

A: Mainly due to a lack of medical and social education. There’s also a cultural sense of shame when it comes to discussing male continence and sexual function. Plus, it’s still widely perceived as a “women’s issue.”

When to See a Specialist

Part of taking care of yourself is knowing when to seek help.

Q: When should a man consider seeing a pelvic floor specialist?

A: When experiencing persistent symptoms such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, severe constipation, or following prostate surgery. It's also recommended in cases of chronic testicular pain or complex, multifactorial issues.

Q: What can someone expect during a consultation? Is the treatment painful or uncomfortable?
A: A thorough medical and physical assessment is carried out. Treatment may involve physiotherapy, biofeedback, targeted exercises, and in some cases, electrical stimulation. There might be some mild discomfort at first, but the treatment is not painful.

Final Expert Tip

Q: What’s the main piece of advice you would give all men to better care for their pelvic floor?

A: Practice Kegel exercises regularly and correctly, maintain good posture, avoid constipation, and see a specialist if any symptoms appear.

Q: Any recommendations for resources or further information for those who want to learn more about this topic?

A: Follow supervised programs and check out resources from organizations like the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the International Continence Society (ICS).

About Antonio Ferrández Infante

Antonio Ferrández Infante holds a PhD in Medicine (MD–PhD), is a specialist in Sexology and Family Medicine , coordinator of the Sexology Working Group at SEMERGEN , and director of sexologomedico.com , his specialized consultation platform.

You can reach out to him through his website for information, guidance, or personalized consultations.