In a word, yes.
They can do a kegel just as females can, with a few varying cues. Kegels help improve pelvic health and strength in men, just as they do for females. Many of the muscles of the pelvic floor are even named the same.
The pelvic floor muscles attach from the pubic bone in the front of your pelvis to the coccyx bone in the back, and help to start and stop the flow of urine. Exercise for these muscles, commonly known as the “kegel”, in addition to exercise for other muscles supporting the pelvis can improve continence.
Approx. 40% of people do not preform kegels correctly and may be causing more harm than good. If you are unsure if you are doing them correctly, it is recommended that you consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist. If you have leakage during your kegels, your incontinence is worse after kegels, or if you are experiencing pain, you may be doing something wrong and should consult with your physical therapist.
How to Contract the Pelvic Floor, for men:
Imagine you are trying to stop the flow of urine and passage of gas, simultaneously. If you are contracting correctly the penis will pull back and shorten, like a turtle pulling its head inside its shell. If you are contracting the pelvic floor correctly no one should be able to tell what you are doing. Do not hold your breath or overdo it. Do not practice while urinating. While 30 kegels a day may be good, 100 a day may make your symptoms worse. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help guide an individualized prescription that is right for you and that will maximize your recovery.
Did you know that 50% of men report urinary incontinence symptoms following prostate surgery? I have seen men several months after surgery who have made notable gains in regaining continence after their surgery.
It makes you wonder..
If you were to have major surgery in another muscle group of your body, i.e. your shoulder or knee, you would strengthen with physical therapy. So, why not for your pelvic floor?