When you’re going through fertility treatments, you have to have frequent appointments with the men’s health urologist. Well, because I have a low sperm count (super embarrassing), the urologist is always making sure my anatomy is okay. Of course, I do take clomid, which helps, but we want to make sure the morphology and progressive motility are also okay. So, in my last visit with the urologist, they found that I had retracted testicles! How did this happen? Well, apparently, all of the stress of fertility treatments and work and everything else has caused me to permanently clench my pelvic floor. Now I have been going to pelvic floor physical therapy. Not fun at all.
This is, perhaps, TME, but I’m still going to share it because I couldn’t find much information out there about it. If this helps someone, then that will make me happy. Guys, you don’t have very many openings into your pelvic floor, and they need to check things inside. I don’t have the habit of putting things “up there,” so my initial assessment took a few times. I had a super tight sphincter muscle and the physical therapist (a man) couldn’t put his finger inside. It was super painful.
So, I had to go twice a week for a few weeks. It’s not just inserting fingers. Sometimes there’s external work to be done. I never knew how many muscles were involved “down there.” Anyway, I when I go, I always hope that we don’t have to do any internal work because that means he sticks his finger inside and presses tender muscles for several minutes at a time to get them to stop firing. It is so painful. I dread every single visit.
One day, he suggested I try dry needling. Now, that is super painful! But I did get faster results. Dry needling is where he sticks needles into the muscles and sends an electrical current through the muscles. They twitch during the treatment, but overall, it does work faster, and it’s not internal.
It is super awkward, though. When you show up, you have to strip down to nothing on the bottom. When you get a physical, you hope you don’t have to do much down there, but there’s a lot that happens down there during a pelvic floor visit. Anyway, I’m truly hoping I don’t have to do this for much longer. Now, it’s all about managing my stress.
And breathing.
Navigating Male Fertility Challenges: A Journey Through Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Meta Description: Discover one man’s candid account of male fertility treatments, low sperm count issues, and the unexpected journey into pelvic floor physical therapy. Learn about retracted testicles, dry needling, and stress management in fertility.
Tags: male fertility, pelvic floor therapy, low sperm count, retracted testicles, urologist visits, fertility stress management
In the realm of fertility treatments, the focus often falls on women’s health. However, male fertility plays an equally crucial role in conception. This blog post delves into the less-discussed aspect of male fertility treatments, specifically addressing low sperm count issues and an unexpected complication: retracted testicles due to pelvic floor dysfunction.
The Urologist’s Role in Male Fertility
When dealing with fertility challenges, regular visits to a men’s health urologist become a necessity. These specialists are instrumental in monitoring and addressing various aspects of male reproductive health. For those grappling with low sperm count, a condition that can significantly impact fertility, these appointments are particularly crucial.
Addressing Low Sperm Count
Low sperm count, medically termed oligospermia, is a common issue in male infertility. Treatment often involves medications like Clomid (clomiphene citrate), which can help increase sperm production. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Urologists also focus on other critical factors:
- Sperm Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm cells
- Progressive Motility: The sperm’s ability to move efficiently towards an egg
An Unexpected Discovery: Retracted Testicles
During one such routine urological examination, an unexpected issue came to light: retracted testicles. This condition, where the testicles are drawn up into the body, can be caused by various factors. In this case, the culprit was identified as chronic pelvic floor muscle tension.
The Stress-Pelvic Floor Connection
The relentless stress associated with fertility treatments, coupled with work and personal pressures, had led to a persistent clenching of the pelvic floor muscles. This prolonged tension resulted in the retraction of the testicles, necessitating a new course of treatment: pelvic floor physical therapy.
The Journey Through Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy for men is a topic rarely discussed but increasingly recognized for its importance in addressing various urological and sexual health issues.
Initial Challenges
The therapy process can be challenging, especially for those unaccustomed to such intimate examinations. Initial assessments may involve:
- External evaluation of pelvic muscles
- Internal examinations to assess muscle tension and function
- Potential discomfort due to tight muscles, particularly the sphincter
Treatment Modalities
- Manual Therapy: Involves both external and internal techniques to release muscle tension
- Breathing Exercises: To promote relaxation and proper muscle function
- Dry Needling: An advanced technique involving needle insertion and electrical stimulation for faster muscle release
The Reality of Pelvic Floor Sessions
Pelvic floor therapy sessions can be uncomfortable and, at times, painful. They typically involve:
- Partial disrobing for examination and treatment
- Manual manipulation of pelvic floor muscles
- Potential internal work to address specific muscle groups
Dry Needling: A Faster, Yet Intense Alternative
Dry needling emerged as a more efficient, albeit intense, treatment option. This technique involves:
- Insertion of thin needles into specific muscle points
- Application of electrical current to stimulate muscle release
- Visible muscle twitching during treatment
- Potentially faster results compared to manual therapy alone
Managing Stress: The Core of Pelvic Health
Ultimately, the key to maintaining pelvic floor health lies in effective stress management. Chronic stress can lead to persistent muscle tension, affecting not only pelvic health but overall well-being. Incorporating stress reduction techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, and proper breathing exercises can significantly impact pelvic floor function and overall fertility health.
Conclusion: Breaking the Silence on Male Fertility Challenges
While discussing male fertility issues and pelvic floor dysfunction can be uncomfortable, sharing these experiences is crucial. It not only helps destigmatize these conditions but also provides valuable information to others facing similar challenges. Remember, seeking professional help and being open about these issues are important steps in addressing and overcoming fertility obstacles.
By shedding light on topics like low sperm count, retracted testicles, and pelvic floor therapy, we contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of male fertility. This knowledge empowers individuals and couples to take proactive steps in their fertility journey, ultimately increasing their chances of successful conception.