Pelvic floor muscle exercises for men.

Objective assessment Objective assessment of the pelvic floor muscles includes an abdominal, perineal, neurological and digital rectal examination. This assessment can be undertaken by a nurse or physiotherapist with specialist supervised training. The patient should be allowed to be chaperoned by a partner, friend or a member of staff. The objective assessment should always begin with an explanation of the reasons for the digital rectal examination. The best way of assessing the strength and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles is by feeling them. It is also possible to assess whether the correct amount of exercise has been given and to check the method used to exercise muscles. If the patient is unhappy about a digital rectal examination, he may prefer a perineal examination. He should not be coerced against his wishes. The patient must give informed consent to the There are four functions of the male pelvic floor muscles. They support the abdominal contents, maintain urinary and faecal continence, allow the elimination of urine and faeces, and have an important role in sexual activity (Box 1).