Male Pelvic Floor Dysfunction- Advanced Level

Dates: 1st Seminary: May 8 (afternoon), 9 (full-day) and 10 (until lunch time), 2026; 2nd Seminary: May 29 (afternoon), 30 (full-day) and 31 (until lunch time).

Location: Oporto, Portugal

Workload: 40 hours in total

Modality: In-person (with practical component)

Target audience: Physical therapists with Pelvic Floor Ultrasound training (at least medium level)

Prerequisites: Basic training in pelvic physical therapy

Main trainers: Rita Paiva PT, PG, MSc, PhDs, and International guest (surprise!);

Assistant trainer: Ana Pinto BSc Sport Science, PT, MSc

Goals

• Understand the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the male pelvic floor, as well as the neurophysiology of urinary, defecatory, and sexual function;

• Characterize the main male pelvic dysfunctions, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and post-prostatectomy changes, and understand the underlying pathophysiological processes;

• Develop advanced clinical and functional assessment skills in pelvic physiotherapy in male patients, integrating exopelvic and intracavitary assessment, specific tests, and complementary instrumental resources such as RUSI Method Functional Ultrasound;

• Apply evidence-based interventions, covering re-education of the abdomino-lumbar-pelvic complex, clinical exercise, manual therapy techniques, pain modulation strategies, and education;

• Integrate pelvic floor control and function into overall movement and activities of daily living, promoting functional transfer and performance optimization;

• Train professionals to develop individualized rehabilitation plans aligned with clinical needs and objectives.

Program Content

1. Anatomy and Neurophysiology of the Male Pelvic Floor

Functional anatomy of the male pelvic floor;

Anatomical integration with urological and anorectal structures;

Biomechanics and physiology of muscle function: basal tone, voluntary contractile strength, relaxation capacity, and synergistic interaction between the pelvic floor, diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, and lumbopelvic stabilization system;

Neurophysiological bases: somatic and autonomic innervation, afferent and efferent pathways, central integration.

2. Pathophysiology of male pelvic floor dysfunctions

• Male Urological Dysfunctions

Urinary incontinence: post-prostatectomy, stress, urge, and mixed; Overactive bladder; Urinary retention and bladder emptying disorders; BOO, UAB, BPS;

Anorectal Dysfunctions: Fecal incontinence, defecation urgency, and functional constipation; LAS and anismus, Chronic Anal fissure.

• Sexual Dysfunctions: Male sexual physiology: erection, ejaculation, and orgasm;

Sexual dysfunctions: erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, orgasmic dysfunction, sexual pain.

• Male Chronic Pelvic Pain

Definition, classification, and multidimensional mechanisms of chronic pelvic pain.

Associated muscular, myofascial, and neurophysiological changes.

Biopsychosocial approach and impact on urinary, intestinal, and sexual function.

3. Oncological Male Patient intervention;

4. Therapeutic strategies: manual techniques, neuromuscular reeducation, education, and exercise;

5. Clinical Reasoning with Clinical Cases.