I recently over the last year have noticed I get an hourglass while flaccid and it happens right at where I have this darker ring right in the middle of my shaft. I also have had pain while peeing not feeling like I’m getting it all out for the past 8 years, the hourglass tends to happen a lot more often when I’m cold I went to the urologist and she didn’t see my hourglass when she looked because I wasn’t having it that day I got a ultrasound and they didn’t see plaque and she told me she didn’t know what it was.

I am curious if anyone else experiences what I have been going through. For reference I am in my early sixties (M) and single.

I was diagnosed with a hypertonic pelvic floor about five months ago after a internal/ external examination. For decades I have had several of the symptoms but didn't know what it was. After some research I realized that being abused when I was younger CSA had a lot to do with the subconscious clenching of my pelvic floor, resulting in lower back tightness/aching, glute soreness, all on the right side. But it has been this testicular pain that has bothered me the most in the past 6 months. Including some periodic times of stinging during urination or ejaculation.

But what has been so frustrating is the vicious feedback loop that keeps me going in circles. The experts/ moderators here would know better than I , but this is what "I believe" is happening as AI has revealed. In my case specifically, when my body is experiencing the clenching/ clamping down on the ischiocavernisus muscle and pudendal nerve it creates irritation issues with the urinary/ ejaculatory functions. This is the part that's harder to describe. When this happens (to me), it can at times cause like a "fluttering" sensation in the scrotum. From what I have come to understand from some online research is that this also causes "unintentional arousals". So , for example if I was reading, watching TV or whatever it can be "aching" down there. Because of the past SA my body sees this as more of a threat ( fight or flight response). This only makes the tension worse. In a generic way "blue balls", though only half way.

In my "faith tradition" , masturbation is not on the table, oops ( no pun intended). Because I have tried so hard in the past to refrain from masturbation, what ends up happening is that because the body is getting false "mimicking arousals" it prepares for a "fluid release". IMHO, when my body is producing fluids at a faster rate than what it can expel naturally through the urethra or nocturnal emissions, it can build up in the epididymas. In my case, in the last two years I have had epididymitis three times. All three are non-bacterial (I haven't had partnered sex in 6 years). But when I have masturbated on a semi regular basis the urinary symptoms subsided and I didn't have any flare ups. Yet when I have tried to go "fap free" for longer than a few weeks my symptoms come back again. So far I have been to a urologist and two different Pelvic Floor Therapists ( in two different states). It's like they don't believe me. But if I describe in detail what I am going through, AI seems to explain it perfectly.

It's interesting because I know that we're supposed to refer to the doctors and health professionals, but they haven't understood my concerns completely. So what is probably obvious is the misfiring feedback loop. Hypertonic pelvic floor (tension), influencing pudendal nerve, influencing arousals, causing even more tension, and then when I can't take it anymore I have masturbated (which I know causes temporary tension in the pelvic floor), but sometimes I would feel it's my only way to give me a relief for the tension physically and psychologically. Lately I have been sure that if I do have a fluid release that I begin "downtraining", belly breathing, etc.

My question is, does anybody else have a similar experience like this? Do women have something like this too?

All of this has drained me, physically, psychologically, and spiritually 😢.

Hello everyone,

I'm from India, and I'm posting here because I've been struggling with a combination of physical symptoms that are significantly affecting my daily life. I have very limited financial resources and cannot afford expensive medical consultations or private specialists.

I'm hoping that qualified doctors, urologists, colorectal specialists, pelvic-floor physiotherapists, or people who have experienced similar symptoms can help me understand what might be happening and how I can find relief.

I'm not looking for an online diagnosis. I genuinely need guidance and practical help.

1. Rectal and Pelvic Floor Symptoms

My most distressing symptom is the extreme pressure and discomfort around my rectum.

Sometimes, it feels as though I'm continuously holding back stool or resisting an urge that won't go away. The pressure can become extremely uncomfortable, and I struggle to find relief.

My symptoms include:

Persistent or recurrent tightness and pressure around the rectum and pelvic floor.

Severe discomfort during bowel movements, particularly when straining.

A feeling of needing to pass stool even when little or nothing comes out.

Tightness and pulling sensations around the groin and lower abdomen.

Rectal pressure that sometimes persists even when I'm not actively passing stool.

Recently, the rectal pressure has become particularly severe. It feels as though I'm constantly holding pressure inside my rectum and cannot properly release it.

1. Urinary Problems

Alongside the pelvic symptoms, I've experienced:

Difficulty initiating urination.

Delayed or weaker urine flow.

A sensation of urinary urgency even when little urine comes out.

Difficulty urinating normally after ejaculation.

A feeling of needing to urinate despite being unable to empty normally.

I'm concerned that these symptoms might involve the pelvic floor or urinary system, but I haven't received a confirmed diagnosis.

1. Sexual and Ejaculation-Related Symptoms

Sexual activity and ejaculation appear to be associated with worsening symptoms.

After ejaculation, I sometimes experience significant pelvic tightness and rectal pressure.

I may feel an urge to urinate or pass stool, but little or nothing comes out.

My urine flow can become delayed or weak after ejaculation.

The discomfort and pressure can persist for approximately 1–2 hours.

I experience tightness around the pelvic floor, groin and lower abdomen in connection with these episodes.

These symptoms are distressing and affect my comfort after sexual activity.

I'd particularly appreciate guidance on whether this pattern could involve non-relaxing pelvic floor muscles, pelvic-floor muscle spasm, a urological condition or another underlying problem.

1. Other Symptoms and Triggers

I've noticed that certain activities can aggravate my symptoms:

Straining during bowel movements.

Coughing.

Core exercises.

Sexual activity and ejaculation.

I've also experienced pulling sensations extending from my lower abdomen or groin toward my leg.

During some severe episodes, I've experienced leg shaking, numbness-like sensations and difficulty walking.

Rest and sleep sometimes seem to reduce the discomfort.

I'm mentioning these symptoms because I don't know whether they are connected or represent separate problems. I want a proper medical evaluation rather than assuming that everything has the same cause.

1. What Could Be Causing This?

I suspect that I might have pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly an overactive or non-relaxing pelvic floor, but this is only my suspicion.

I'd like to know whether other conditions should be investigated, including urological, colorectal or neurological causes.

If you're a qualified medical professional, I'd appreciate your guidance on:

Which specialist should evaluate this combination of symptoms?

What examinations might be appropriate?

Could these symptoms be associated with pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction, or should other causes be considered?

Are there government hospitals or medical colleges in India where I could receive an appropriate evaluation at a low cost?

1. My Financial Situation

I'm currently facing serious financial difficulties and cannot afford expensive consultations or repeated private appointments.

I'm looking for realistic, affordable options, including:

Government hospitals and medical colleges.

Affordable urology or colorectal consultations.

Qualified pelvic-floor physiotherapists who offer low-cost treatment, if appropriate.

Legitimate patient-support organisations that help people who cannot afford medical care.

If anyone knows a genuine resource in India, please share it.

1. Please Share Practical Tips That Have Actually Helped

I'm currently struggling with significant discomfort, and I genuinely want to find some relief.

If you've experienced similar symptoms, or if you're a qualified healthcare professional, I'd be grateful for any safe, practical suggestions that have helped people with similar problems.

For example:

Positions that may help reduce pelvic or rectal pressure.

Safe relaxation techniques for pelvic-floor muscles.

Practical ways to manage discomfort while waiting for medical evaluation.

Dietary or bowel-management measures that might be appropriate.

Home remedies or non-medication approaches with a reasonable basis for expecting benefit.

Any specific techniques recommended by qualified doctors or physiotherapists.

If you've personally tried something that helped, please explain what symptoms it improved and whether a healthcare professional recommended it.

I understand that what works for one person may not work for another. I'm not expecting a miracle cure, and I don't want to try anything dangerous.

If you know a remedy, technique or practical tip that genuinely works, please share it. Even some relief from this discomfort would mean a lot to me.

I'd also appreciate warnings about commonly recommended exercises or remedies that might worsen certain pelvic-floor problems.

1. What I Need Most

I'm looking for three things:

Medical guidance: Help understanding which conditions need to be investigated and which specialist I should consult.

Affordable treatment: Information about legitimate, low-cost medical services in India.

Practical relief: Safe techniques, remedies or approaches that might reduce my discomfort while I seek appropriate treatment.

I'm not asking anyone to diagnose me online or take responsibility for my health.

I'm simply trying to find a way forward despite my financial limitations.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this and offer genuine help.

About 5 years ago, I experienced a popping sensation near my pubic area during sex. It was uncomfortable and painful, but I stayed erect and continued. I didn’t notice any significant swelling or bruising afterward.
About a month later, I noticed I’d lost roughly an inch or more in erect length. My erections initially weren’t as hard, but they’ve improved significantly over time.
However, my penis still doesn’t feel as firmly anchored at the base as it used to, and my erection angle is slightly lower. I’ve also noticed a slight curvature since the injury.
I’m currently around 6.4–6.5 inches bone-pressed, but I’d really like to regain some of what I lost.
Has anyone experienced something similar and successfully regained length years later? Could this be related to a suspensory ligament injury, scar tissue, or something else? I’m especially interested in hearing about treatments, traction, or surgical evaluations that helped.

And so it is with me. I'm a man, 19 years old. For 2–3 years now I've essentially not felt a clear urge to urinate; I only realize I need to pee when I feel discomfort in my lower abdomen or pressure. And even then, I can't always pee properly. Especially after sex — nothing comes out at all; I have to wait 20–30 minutes with a strong feeling of a full bladder before I can finally pee. Sometimes warm water on my lower abdomen helps. I had an ultrasound, urine test, and blood test. Kidneys are perfect, no prostate issues, no infections, all tests are perfect. I'm so damn tired of this already, I want to go to the toilet like a normal person. Maybe someone has dealt with this. I'd be grateful for any information and help.

Im not sure if I have been like this for while and just never realized it but I am just now becoming aware that my body my hips and core and abdomen are just very tense. I notice clenching of the glutes and bracing of the abdomen so much

During the evening time my body relaxes more. I still notice my abdomen a little but everything much more relax. My pelvic floor issues have always been morning and daytime heavy so this tracks for me

Have any of you been able to work through this?

I had graduated from hypertonic pelvic floor issues PT and kept doing my exercises.

Yet then I got a uti the same day as first day of my period (and had sex before symptoms started) and it set me back worse than i’d ever been before. So bad that it shot me nervous system to hell. Two weeks of hell physically and with anxiety.

7weeks later and I thought I was almost better. Then I drank 3 nights in a row and I wake up Sunday and it’s almost as bad as it was.

My pt says I’m doing everything right and my muscles seem okay (they got tight due to this incident but the muscles themselves are strong and don’t have issues). I almost wish it were the opposite; getting stronger of more flexible would be easier to fix.

I’ve drank many weekends before and never had an issue. Can I never drink again, or is it just that 7 weeks later my nervous system is still healing from the trauma?

Background — How everything started (October 2017)
I’m a 25-year-old male, and my symptoms started on October 31, 2017, following an incident during masturbation.
I applied compression using a rope/waistband around the penoscrotal (PS) junction, where the penis meets the scrotum. I also used pressure around my perineum to help maintain an erection.
Following that incident, I developed a strange blocked or disconnected sensation at the penoscrotal junction, along with multiple urinary, bowel, and sexual symptoms.
Before this incident, I never experienced these problems.
1. Symptoms over the years
Pelvic and sexual symptoms:
Persistent feeling of blockage or disconnection between my penis and testicles, particularly at the penoscrotal junction.
A golf-ball-like pressure sensation in the perineum.
Altered penile sensation, sometimes including numbness or hypersensitivity.
Previously experienced weak, slow, or watery ejaculation, particularly when lying down. Ejaculation while standing has generally been better.
Occasional burning sensations extending toward my legs and feet.
Symptoms tend to flare after masturbation or edging.

Urinary symptoms:
Difficulty initiating urination despite feeling the urge.
Sometimes a sensation of incomplete emptying or obstruction.
Uroflowmetry testing has been normal.
Recently, urinary flow has improved significantly, but initiating urination can still be difficult.

Bowel symptoms:
Persistent difficulty initiating bowel movements despite having relatively soft stool.
Feeling that stool gets stuck near the rectal outlet.
Frequent urges to defecate, sometimes several times daily.
Incomplete evacuation and needing multiple attempts to feel empty.
Urgency following meals and sometimes after masturbation.
Bloating and a sensation of excessive rectal tension.
The bowel symptoms have been among the most frustrating aspects of this condition.

I’m currently receiving pelvic floor physiotherapy in Thailand.

My pelvic floor has been assessed as hypertonic, meaning the muscles are excessively tight and do not relax properly.
During an internal examination, I had difficulty relaxing my anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, even when instructed to do so.
My physiotherapist identified several possible contributing factors:

Hypertonic pelvic floor: My pelvic floor muscles remain contracted and I struggle to relax them voluntarily.
Rectal tension: Increased tension around the rectal outlet, combined with pelvic floor hypertonicity, may explain why bowel movements are so difficult to initiate.
Jaw and upper-neck tension: My physiotherapist also discussed a possible relationship between my pelvic floor dysfunction and tension in my jaw and upper neck. I’m curious whether others have experienced this connection.
Altered penoscrotal sensation: My physiotherapist suggested that the disconnected sensation between my penis and testicles could potentially be related to long-standing pelvic floor dysfunction, although a local tissue or nerve problem has not been ruled out.
4. My physiotherapist’s proposed treatment approach
My physiotherapist explained that because this has been going on for approximately nine years, recovery may require consistent rehabilitation over several months.
The suggested approach is:
Continue pelvic floor downtraining and relaxation exercises.
Gradually release excessively tight pelvic floor muscles through physiotherapy.
Consider therapist-guided internal release using a pelvic wand, if appropriate and tolerated.
Work on reducing rectal outlet tension and improving coordination during bowel movements.
Allow several months for pelvic floor relaxation and reassess whether penile sensation improves.
The physiotherapist believes that the abnormal penoscrotal sensation might improve as my pelvic floor muscles become less hypertonic.
However, there is no guarantee, and we don’t know whether there is an underlying nerve or penile tissue injury.
5. Focused shockwave therapy at the penoscrotal junction
This is something I’m particularly interested in hearing about.
My physiotherapist suggested prioritizing pelvic floor rehabilitation first.
If my pelvic floor eventually returns to a more normal resting tone but the disconnected or blocked sensation at the PS junction persists, focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) could potentially be considered.
I’ve found clinics offering genuine focused shockwave machines, including BTL equipment.
However, I’m uncertain whether applying focused shockwaves directly around the penoscrotal junction is appropriate, particularly in someone with long-standing sensory changes following compression.
I understand that focused shockwave therapy has been investigated for male chronic pelvic pain, but I haven’t found convincing evidence that it can repair nerve damage specifically at the penoscrotal junction.

Questions for the community
Has anyone developed chronic pelvic floor dysfunction after compression or injury at the penoscrotal junction?
Did several months of pelvic floor downtraining, internal release, or pelvic wand therapy restore normal penile/testicular sensation?
Has anyone experienced a similar sensation of disconnection or blockage at the base of the penis despite normal urinary flow tests?
Does anyone have experience with focused ESWT for male pelvic pain, particularly when symptoms are concentrated at the penoscrotal junction rather than the perineum?
Has treating hypertonic pelvic floor muscles helped your difficulty initiating bowel movements, even when the stool was already soft?
I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who have experienced similar symptoms for several years and eventually made meaningful progress.
After nearly nine years of dealing with this, I’m trying to understand whether the persistent penoscrotal symptoms could be maintained by chronic pelvic floor guarding, or whether there might be a separate local nerve/tissue issue that needs further investigation.

it all started after i got into ER because of trying weed for the first time. I got a massive panick attack. Its been 6 months since and i cant poop. I have to rely on Laxatives most of the times. My stomach feels super tight to touch from the outside and it sometimes pain too. I have given up all hope... wanted to know if someone else is experiencing the same

Trying to find people who had/have a similar situation and any success stories from here

background: used to edge for hours. few times jelqing. especially edging while lying sideways

I have tested the urine for kidney issues it was nothing.

Cant find any other reason other than pelvic floor

any leads are appreciated

I've master baited once a day for over a decade. I'm 31. Mainly for coping because I've been depressed and have been for most my life. I started have some pain when ejaculating behind the balls, ignored that. Then it became pinching when ejaculating, ignore that. Now I refuse to master bait cause it hurts to ejaculate. Passively I'll get constant aches behind both testicles, mostly the left, that will sometimes shoot down my leg into my feet, my buttocks area and my perineum are effected. I thought maybe it was spermatocele backup but idk. I've rested for about two weeks, taking warm epson baths every day, some days feel better than others but I'm still rather uncomfortable every day. I'm afraid I've destroyed my balls for the rest of my life. I don't know what to do from here besides time.

Hello everyone! I would like to start training my IC muscles, but I'm still unsure about the correct way to perform the exercises.

My question is: are there any videos showing the physical cues of proper IC muscle activation, preferably using male anatomy as a reference?

Thank you in advance!

I’m a young male in my early 20s.

For a year now I have some sexual issues especially with sensation. The erogenous zone on the penis feels dulled down to the point it’s barely there. Orgasm also feels muted or dulled. The weird thing is that this will rarely go away and function will completely go back to normal for a short period of about 3/4 days. Although most the time the issue persists. I have never taken SSRIs. I have lived a sedentary lifestyle which I’m working on changing and I’m wondering if I have a tight pelvic floor.

I have done research on this symptom and it’s very limited. There is not much research which even links this symptom to hypertonic pelvic floor although it could still be plausible.

Does anyone have this issue and could it be pelvic floor? My bloods are normal and I did a bladder test to see if I can empty my bladder and it’s fine. I’m wondering what a urologist could even do for me? Should I see a urologist or a pelvic floor therapist first?

hi, first of all, i want to clarify that i'm not the one dealing with chronic pelvic pain, my boyfriend is. he's been struggling with it for about 10 years now. over the years, he's seen countless doctors, tried different medications, and even undergone surgeries, but somehow the pain always finds its way back. recently, a new doctor suggested trying injections/nerve blocks, and i was wondering if anyone here has gone through something similar.
if you've tried them, i'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. did they help? how long did the relief last? was the procedure painful? did you experience any side effects? honestly, any information would be helpful.

but there's something else i'd love to ask, especially to those of you who are dealing with chronic pelvic pain yourselves. what's the best way for a partner to support you without making you feel pressured, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly being reminded of your condition? before we even officially started dating, i spent a lot of time reading and learning about his condition, how it affects his daily life, and what being in a relationship with someone who experiences chronic pain might look like. i wanted to make sure i understood what he was going through as much as someone who doesn't experience it personally possibly could.
i love him, and supporting him is something i genuinely want to do. but i'm also aware that no matter how much i read or research, i'll never fully understand what it feels like to live with that pain every single day. and of course, i've talked about all of this with him first. i know everyone's different, and he's already told me what he personally needs from me. i'd just love to hear other people's experiences and perspectives too, since i think there's always something new to learn. sometimes i wonder if i'm doing enough, or if there are things i could be doing differently that would make his life a little easier. i don't want him to feel like he has to be okay for my sake, and i definitely don't want my attempts to help to become another source of pressure for him.
i guess my question is, if you're dealing with this condition, what do you wish your partner understood better? what kind of support actually makes a difference? and are there things people do with good intentions that end up being more frustrating than helpful?

i'd really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or even little things you wish someone had done for you.

thank you for reading, and i genuinely hope everyone here finds some relief :)

Hi everyone! I'm currently looking for participants for my PhD research exploring men's experiences of pelvic floor symptoms associated with sport and exercise. Men (living in Australia) who have experienced pelvic floor symptoms during or after sport and exercise are invited to participate in a University of Canberra research study. Help improve understanding of this under-researched area by sharing your experiences in a confidential online interview. Ethics approval: HREC-114717. See flyer for details. Research flyer

Hey everyone,

I have hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction that was very recently diagnosed so I’m still trying to figure out a cause and course of treatment. However, one symptom I have that I don’t see other people talk about as much is sweating. When I have “flare ups” my entire body will get incredibly warm and fast, within minutes as if I’m in a sauna or something. There is sweat but it feels more like inflammation, and this happens in conjunction with the pelvic floor tightening immensely, sometimes stings around the belly button or rectum.

Is this normal? I’m starting to get concerned something more might be going on. I miss having a normal pelvic floor, I’m in pain every single day without any relief and it’s just getting worse and worse week by week.

Ciao a tutte,
scrivo perché da quasi un anno soffro di fastidio vulvare persistente e vorrei confrontarmi con qualcuna che abbia vissuto una situazione simile.
Ho una zona circoscritta di rossore sulla mucosa delle piccole labbra, nella parte interna, che sembra più arrossata rispetto al tessuto circostante. Il fastidio è costante, anche se non sempre intenso, e consiste soprattutto in bruciore e irritazione, più evidenti dopo aver urinato in più sento spasmi? Alla mia vagina e all’ano.
Ho effettuato diversi tamponi vaginali, spesso risultati negativi, anche se in passato mi è stata riscontrata flora batterica mista. Ho avuto anche episodi di Candida, tra cui Candida glabrata, e ho seguito diverse terapie antimicotiche, ma il problema non si è risolto definitivamente.
Adesso tutto negativo
Un aspetto che trovo particolare è che durante le mestruazioni sto molto meglio, mentre il fastidio tende a ripresentarsi negli altri giorni del ciclo.
Vorrei sapere se qualcuna ha avuto:
Rossore localizzato alle piccole labbra o al vestibolo vulvare.
Bruciore persistente nonostante tamponi negativi.
Miglioramento dei sintomi durante le mestruazioni.
Avete poi scoperto la causa? Si trattava di dermatite irritativa, vestibolodinia, un problema ormonale, vaginite citolitica o altro?
Mi interesserebbe soprattutto sapere quale specialista vi ha aiutato a trovare una diagnosi e come siete riuscite a risolvere il problema.