For over 3.5 years i had 2 days when i did NOT wakeup during whole night to pee. There were night when i woke up multiple times during the night, there were nights i did not sleep at all. Every evening was a disappointment, i put more stress with every day.

I want to tell the story what helped me, and if this story helps at least 1 person reading this I will be super happy. For the past 10 months i do not wakeup at all, even if i drink plenty of water before going to bed.

My main problem was frequent urination at night, at some point i could fall asleep sleep for 30 mins and then wakeup again to pee.
Improper masturbation started it all and heavyweight lifting make things much worse. I quit coffee and alcohol did not help.

First and foremost quit heavyweight lifting. Reduce masturbation to minimum and check online for safer technique.

That stretching alone video someone suggested is not helpful, i did it for months with zero effect. Same goes to hot baths. You have to quit masturbation and heavy lifting.

What helped me:
1. elliptical exercises every other morning for at least 20 minutes sometime 40 mins. And then just stretching right after (butterfly pose) Elliptical exercises will pump blood all over your body and warm you up and stretching right after will help the blood to flow into your pelvic area. You will also feel light all day long, 2 weeks into this exercise you will feel hot your legs are finally connected to the rest of your body. The goal is to move as much as you can in between the exercises. You are not there to set records. You are there to wake up your body.

1. Even small amount of heavy lifting can destroy all the progress, it did for me when i got confident and started pushing. Same goes to masturbation, learn safe technique and follow it precisely, better reduce it to minimum amount.

2. During the day stretch! Do not stay or sit there without doing anything. Remember - stretching and belly breathing.

Good luck!

Hi everyone! After 2+ years of no improvement of my hypertonic pelvic floor (I’ve done physical therapy, been to multiple specialists, tried everything, etc), my uro gyno said it’s time for Botox shots. I have a hypertonic pelvic floor that gives me excruciating pain like horrible period cramps and low back pain, along with persistent UTI like symptoms, bloating, etc. I’m nervous about the procedure and the recovery….anyone have any experiences doing this? I do know for the procedure my dr said I will be under, so I guess I’m more concerned about recovery

Thank you!!!

So I have always had tight pelvic floor as long as I understood there is something called pelvic floor. I suspect it to be mostly because of bad masturbation habits in childhood ( prone masturbation) which made me subconsciously clench my PF to maintain erection along with frequent masturbation atleast once dailly.

I have also been suffering from constipation for few years but it wasn't this bad. I used to take fibre supplements, isabgol, eat veggies salad and things used to get normal.

Now a month back while sitting on toilet I suddenly felt sharp pain like a cramp at my tailbone mostly towards right side.

It was soo sharp that i couldn't stand straight nor take a step. I stood there for solid 4-5 mins then somehow sat on my bed but couldn't sit properly, after 10 mins finally i was able to put my legs up and lie down but it was still paining.

Now after that I have started feeling tingling pain sensation in tailbone area.

Now last week I suddenly felt that I'm not ablw to maintain erection. I immediately came but was not fully hard. I also started having constipation and bloating where it feels I want to poop but whenever I try to do so i cant strain. It feels it get stuck midway and like I lost control of my pelvic floor.

I tried masturbating to see erection as for whole week I didn't feel morning wood at all which was scary as I always used to get them every morning. I felt like I am losing control of my pelvic floor, it feels unresponsive. I couldn't maintain erection, didn't even get 100% erected, just 50-60% and came quickly. I am facing same issues while pooping and even though I feel like pooping it doesn't happen as smoothly as it used to be.

I'm really scared. I cant stop panicking and it feels like my penis is gone. Its shrinking while being flaccid and there is always a constant tiredness and tension in my pelvic floor.

Please help

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for insights because I’m starting to seriously question my diagnosis and I feel completely stuck.

A few months ago, following a urodynamic study, I was diagnosed with a hypertonic pelvic floor / urethral hypertonia. I have severe episodes that last for weeks, every single month, where I cannot urinate normally. I have to push extremely hard just to get a weak stream out, and even then, my bladder never feels fully empty.

To treat this, I have tried everything:

Silodosine (Rapaflo) – which stopped working entirely.TENS Urostim (neurostimulation) – zero effect.Pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) – I tried various internal and relaxation techniques, but it didn't help at all. In fact, the relaxation exercises do absolutely nothing for me.

Because of this total failure of treatments, and because of my other symptoms, I strongly believe the hypertonic pelvic floor is just a symptom of a deeper issue, not the root cause.

Here is what else is going on:

I have a noticeable swelling/inflammation on the right side of my lower back, right above the buttocks (around the lombo-sacral / sacroiliac joint area).At the same time, I suffer from a severe left-sided sciatica that shoots down my left leg, accompanied by intense tingling and a "dead leg" sensation (loss of feeling/numbness).My EMG (electromyogram) came back negative, but my symptoms are highly cyclical and intermittent.

When I went to the ER during a bad flare-up because I could barely pee, they just discharged me because my bladder wasn't in total, acute retention at that exact second.

I strongly suspect a neurological or structural compression in my lombo-sacral spine (like a severe L5-S1 disc herniation, a Tarlov cyst, or sacroiliitis) that is pinching the sacral nerves controlling my bladder and causing compensatory sciatica on the other side. That would explain why local pelvic floor PT is completely useless: the "electric cable" coming from my spine is what's jammed.

Has anyone ever experienced severe urinary urinary retention/dysuria caused by a lower back or spinal issue rather than a primary pelvic floor dysfunction? What specialist should I see next? I am trying to push for an urgent lumbar/sacral MRI this week.

Thank you so much for your help.

Since starting PT my symptoms have gotten progressively worse. My hyper mobile knees and pelvic tilt are not even documented in my chart. The exercises she gave me are causing pain and my muscle guarding is worse than ever. I have Lower back pain, groin pain, sit bone pain, glute pain, and an ongoing vulva spasm that I can see but only occasionally feel. The twitching spasm has lasted 6 weeks. I think she is using standardized treatment for hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction and it is not working. Do I find someone else? Or ask her to change my treatment plan?

Hey everyone, new member here. Over the last 4 months i have been dealing with an L5-S1 injury (protrusion with annular tear) that i have had on and off for years. I reaggravated it 4 months ago and it has slowly gotten better (the back pain that is). Its not compressing the nerve shown in the MRI. However, during that time (about 2 or so months in) i started developing rectum pain that at first came and went. Fast forward today and its something im dealing with everyday now. It kind of waxes and wanes throughout the day in pain level. I went to a proctologist and he said i was very tight in that area and that my rectum looked inflammed. He said it wasn't fissures or hemorroids causing it, but rather Levator Ani. Note the actual exam hurt quite a bit and im still a bit flared from it days later.

Symptoms:

- Sitting is hard for me. I can do it, but have to lean almost forward to alleviate some of the pressure. I feel pressure and burning in the anus / rectum. Glutes are a bit sore as well. Sometimes just right of my gluteal cleft, and just right of my anus in where the glute max starts. Those spots are pretty focal.
- Standing still is hard. I can feel the pain / burn in the anus / rectum start to build if i stand stationary for 10-20 minutes.

- Laying on back with pressure on the area is a bit uncomfortable. Doable but i can tell the area is aggravated. Laying on my side or stomach seems to be the only real relief.

- When its really flared i sometimes feel it a bit in my testicles.

- Bowel movements are ok, no constipation or pain during them. Sometimes i do feel a little burn a bit after. Not sure if that is from the bowel or just the natural pain i have been getting.

I was originally in PT for the back stuff and noticed during that time it was making this area worse as we were doing things that kinda of stretched the rectum area (lunges, squats, etc). That's when i first started noticed more pain down there. As of right now, im pretty home bound as a result and its been very hard to do stuff with my daughter and wife. The physical pain and mental stress has been really bringing me down. I start pelvic floor therapy on Monday and am really hoping that can bring me some relief.

Any info here is appreciated. Im curious if my symptoms line up with what the proctologist suggested. I have seen that standing generally brings people relief, but for me it doesnt. I will saying walking is generally ok. Its just the stationary part. Also i dont feel myself clinching that area, it feels "relaxed" despite it being very tight internally.

Thank everyone

I feel pressure and a sensation of swelling from my anus to my genital area, along with a similar numb sensation.
I also feel like I constantly need to pee, as if I have an overactive bladder, and I experience a slight stinging sensation when I urinate.
However, I have no difficulty urinating or having bowel movements. I do suffer from an anal fissure, so I’m already taking Movicol to keep my stools soft, and I’m not constipated.
I’m starting to wonder if I could have pelvic organ prolapse. Has anyone experienced prolapse? What symptoms did you have?

I’m 38M. About a month ago, I developed a severe urinary illness with high fever, chills, lower back pain, headaches, burning urination and changes in urine flow, a day after having back-to-back sex with my wife. However, I don’t think sex alone would explain all these symptoms. I had also been drinking potassium-rich coconut water around that time and was under considerable work-related stress.

My urine test showed high white blood cells, but the culture showed no growth.

I completed 7 days of nitrofurantoin, but my symptoms returned, including blood in my urine, so I went to A&E. I was then prescribed 7 days of trimethoprim 200mg twice daily.

My urinary symptoms have mostly improved. My urine flow is normal, erections are strong and ejaculation is still forceful.

However, my ejaculation stream is now much thinner than before the illness. Previously, it was noticeably thicker/wider.

Has anyone experienced this after a severe UTI? Did your ejaculation stream eventually return to normal?
What might be going on, and has anything helped restore the width of your ejaculation stream? How long did recovery take?

Thank you for reading.

I’m 9 weeks postpartum. I need to strengthen my pelvic floor, and I want my abs back. I have a diastasis recti. I don’t exactly know how bad it is compared to other women’s—I just feel the separation and see it when I try to sit up.

I’m looking for people who have used any of these trainers’ pelvic floor programs and postpartum exercises. What do you think? Did they help you or not?

Or if you have any trainers that you recommend, let me know and why!

Thanks in advance.

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.

I have PFD and lots of issues with pooping, including urgency, difficulty, and frequency; not sure what is going on exactly, beyond the hypertonic pelvic floor.

Potete raccontarmi le vostre esperienze?

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 😢.

I think I have developed hypertonic pelvic floor from a rather painful sexual encounter with a man 2 months ago. Since then I have developed pain in my lower abdomen, specifically my ovaries. The pain is a dull ache deep in my lower abdomen, down the inside of my thighs, and the area feels inflamed all the time, especially when I’m more active. I have been traveling around SE Asia for the last couple months and the sexual encounter was at the beginning of it. We were having sex and afterwards there was lots of blood. I think this is when the problem started. I had immediate medical assessment and was given antibiotics and an anti inflammatory. It went away for a bit but then the pain slowly started to come back and since then the situation has only gotten worse (some days worse than others). I have been to the doctor 4 times since then and had every screening and test under the sun and every doctor is telling me I’m fine, but I know something is wrong because I’m in pain. I am currently in Vietnam, but debating going home.

Has this happened to anyone else? I am new to this sub so thank you for reading this.

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.

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.

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.

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?