Hello everyone! I’m Dr. Susie G, and today I’m going to walk you through what to expect during a pelvic floor therapy exam. We’ll discuss the conditions that benefit from pelvic floor therapy, what the exam entails, and how your dedicated Dr. Susie G Care Team can support you throughout your health journey.

When is Pelvic Floor Therapy Right for You?

Pelvic floor therapy can help the following conditions:

• Testicle pain

• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (chronic prostatitis)

• Painful anal intercourse or entry

• Pain after vasectomy

• Peyronie’s disease or bothersome curvature of penis

• Pain during or after ejaculation

• Painful erections

• Erectile dysfunction

• Premature ejaculation

• Rehabilitation post prostate cancer

• Rehabilitation post colon or pelvic cancer.

• Groin pain

• Hip and lower back pain

• Pain with sitting

• Constipation

• Urinary urgency or frequency

• Bladder or fecal incontinence

Your Care Team Approach

Our approach is thorough, collaborative, and unrushed. You’ll lead the way, sharing your most intimate concerns in a safe, non-judgmental space. Dealing with pelvic health issues can be overwhelming and frustrating, but your care team is here support you.

Your pelvic therapist will start by discussing your medical and sexual health history, your body’s movement preferences, and ways to help you move better and feel less pain. We’ll map out the pain areas during a physical exam, and explore ways to reduce discomfort through touch, pressure, and movement.

If you’re having concerns with sex, we’ll strategize ways to reconnect with physical and emotional pleasure and communicate effectively with your partner. Our holistic approach also considers psychological and socio-cultural impacts on your health, addressing how stress, sexual identity, relationships, race, religion, gender, and cultural values influence your body image and confidence.

What to Expect During an Initial In-Person Pelvic Floor Exam

Our first meeting is approximately 90-minutes (depending on the complexity of your health concerns, sessions may be extended to fit your unique needs). We’ll get to know each other, discuss your concerns, and assess the areas that hurt, which may include the penis, scrotum, and testicles. The physical exam is far more comprehensive than the typical quick prostate exam you might fear.

Your pelvic therapist will share individualized pelvic and sexual health education, ensuring you know what to expect and why. We use various teaching aids tailored to your learning style, making the experience both informative and engaging.

When we’re ready to assess ‘down-below,’ the exam will be based on your concerns and comfort level. This might include evaluating:

• Foreskin health

• Genital tissue mobility

• Sensation and pain mapping (if applicable)

• Pelvic floor muscle coordination and range of motion

• Pelvic floor muscle strength

• Overall body awareness and connection to your pelvis and genitalia

• Internal anorectal exam, if appropriate and with your consent

An internal exam is not always necessary and is just one of the many options to help you feel better and reach your goals. You’re in control of the exam, and we’ll proceed at your pace. If you need a pause or adjustment, just let your therapist know.

You may or may not get a spontaneous erection or experience spontaneous ejaculation during the session due to the nature of the examination. Don’t worry—these moments are handled professionally.

Next Steps

After the physical exam, we’ll discuss the findings and next steps. Treatment may include various strategies such as strengthening exercises, mindfulness techniques, awareness practices, reflection, stretches, and collaboration with your other care team members for nutrition and mental health therapy. The approach is tailored to your needs, and your care team will continuously evaluate your progress.

Healing takes time, and there’s no set timeline for improvement. It may take one session or several, but togehter, we’ll find the right path for you together.

Your dedicate care team is here to support you through every step of your pelvic health journey. Our goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to lead the way toward better health. If you’re experiencing any of the conditions mentioned or have concerns about your pelvic health, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a session with the Dr. Susie G Care Team.

This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding treatment, medications/supplements, or any medical diagnoses. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way to substitute the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.