Why You Shouldn’t Push: Understanding Pressure and the Pelvic Floor
Many men think straining on the toilet or holding their breath when lifting heavy weights is harmless. But here’s the truth: excess pressure in the abdomen can overload the pelvic floor, leading to urinary leaks, constipation, pain, or even sexual health issues.
Understanding how pressure works in the body is the first step to protecting your pelvic health.
The Core and Pelvic Floor: A Pressure System
Think of your core like a canister:
Top → diaphragm (breathing muscle)
Sides → deep abdominals and spinal stabilisers
Bottom → pelvic floor muscles
Every time you lift, cough, sneeze, or strain, this system manages intra-abdominal pressure. If pressure is forced downwards without control, the pelvic floor takes the strain.
What Happens When You Push Too Hard
On the Toilet
Straining to poo increases downward pressure.
Over time, this can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, haemorrhoids, or even prolapse.
Constipation often worsens because the pelvic floor contracts instead of relaxing.
In the Gym
Holding your breath (Valsalva) or pushing incorrectly during lifts sends huge pressure down onto the bladder and pelvic floor.
This can trigger leakage, pelvic heaviness, or worsening post-surgery symptoms (like after prostatectomy).
Signs Your Pelvic Floor Is Under Too Much Pressure
Leaks when coughing, sneezing, or lifting
Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel fully
A feeling of heaviness or bulging in the perineum
Pain in the pelvis, testicles, or lower abdomen
Sexual changes, such as weaker erections or premature ejaculation linked to pelvic tension
How Physiotherapy Helps
A men’s pelvic health physiotherapist can teach you to:
Breathe out on effort instead of pushing down
Use your diaphragm, abs, and pelvic floor in coordination
Find safe toilet postures (like using a footstool) to reduce straining
Strengthen or relax the pelvic floor, depending on your needs
Return to lifting and sport without leaks or pain
Pushing harder doesn’t mean working smarter. Whether in the gym or on the toilet, managing pressure is key to protecting your pelvic floor. With the right strategies and physiotherapy, you can prevent leaks, pain, and long-term pelvic problems and keep your core strong for life.
✨ Straining or leaking during lifting or toileting? Book a consultation with our men’s pelvic health physiotherapists at Renard Clinic for evidence-based, confidential support.
