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Hey friends, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Stephanie Zwonitzer, DNP, CRNP for a conversation on men’s pelvic floor health. We covered the big topics that don’t get talked about nearly enough—scrotal pain, ejaculation concerns, post-prostate cancer sexual changes, and how pelvic floor therapy fits into recovery and better intimacy.

We also discussed the connection between physical and sexual wellbeing, why these issues show up, and how men can get help without shame. If you want a deeper look into the work I do and why it matters, this conversation is a good one.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381878/episodes/17915169

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your clinician for guidance specific to you.

Files

Breaking the Stigma: Men's Pelvic Floor Health

Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Susie Gronski delve into the often-overlooked topic of men's pelvic floor health. They discuss the importance of pelvic floor therapy, the common issues men face such as scrotal pain and ejaculation problems, and the impact of prostate cancer treatments on sexual health. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical health and sexual function, providing insights into how men can seek help and improve their quality of life. Dr. Susie shares her expertise on how pelvic floor therapy can aid in recovery and enhance intimacy, while also addressing the stigma surrounding men's health issues. Get in touch with Dr. Susie Gronski: https://drsusieg.com https://www.patreon.com/drsusieg IG: @dr.susieg Episode is sponsored by Boston Scientific and EDCure. For more information click here: www.EDCure.com/BTS Connect with Between the Sheets: IG: @betweenthesheetswithdrz www.betweenthesheetswithdrz.com Email: podcastbetweenthesheets@gmail.com Between the Sheets is a weekly podcast on sex, intimacy, and relationships - sharing expert advice on sexual health, pleasure, communication, and modern love to help you build confidence, connections, and authentic intimacy.

Comments

Michael H

So glad you two were able to connect. Great conversation! I knew you two would have a lot to talk about 😊

Chuck Sohm

WOW! Full of information. I'm recommending to my Urologist office as they did not spend enough time explaining these matters before ADT and radiation treatments. I have spent years catching up and just entered PFPT a month ago. Wish I knew before the treatment began.

David Ritter

Great, loved all the information. I just wish that along with diabetes etc for delayed ejaculation/inability to orgasm that Parkinson’s would have been mentioned. It’s a common symptom of PD that no one including the person with PD knows is a symptom until it happens; at which point the Neurologist says oh yes that’s normal for PD patients. And the PD patients (at least me) think both “why wasn’t I told about this issue before” and “ I don’t care about the other patients I’m worried about me”.

Dr. Susie Gronski - Doctor of Physical Therapy

David, you’re absolutely right. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll make sure to include neurological contributors like Parkinson’s Disease when talking about sexual dysfunction. It’s a huge and often overlooked factor. 💜

Dr. Susie Gronski - Doctor of Physical Therapy

Chuck, I’m sorry you weren’t given the info you deserved before treatment. That happens far too often—I'm sure many men here would agree with your comment. I’m glad you’re in pelvic floor PT now, and I appreciate you sharing this interview with your urologist office. 💜

Steve J

These are the kinds of conversations that are so meaningful to men experiencing health issues that affect their sexual wellness. Thank you both for such candid discussions that men need to hear.

Carlos

I am a huge fan/supporter/subscriber of both of you ladies. There is a lot of great information in this podcast. I am under active surveillance for prostate cancer and may at some point have to decide between radiation or removal of the prostate. I am now more informed on side effects of both treatments. You two ladies are truly the dream team. Thank you.

Guy

Interesting that Dr. Zwanitzer points out that for some (most in my opinion) doctors dealing with the prostate cancer fail to consider the patient as a whole and how the patient will deal with the outcome. This is a huge gripe of mine. I was given a packet of literature that included reference to the post treatment support group, but they were never referrenced by the urologist. In my opinion the doctor should be actively trying to get the patient engaged with the support group. Instead they just do their little project like a carpenter installing a kitchen cabinet. Another big gripe is that men on ADT are not advised to continue being sexually active to provide blood needed to maintain erectile health. I notice in studies on pubmed.gov that men who have ADT have a higher incidence of ED. Without libido, sexual function becomes something like other exercises and needs to be intentionally planned out. Dr. John Mulhall of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says that penile atrophy can begin even in the standard 4 to 6 month adjunct ADT during radiation treatment. Maybe urologists are not aware that castrate men are able to be sexually functional. If so, they need to get educated. Postings by gay gents brought this to my attention so I planned ahead. I produced a high quality erection every day (well, missed about one a month) of my 6 months on ADT. Highest quality erections are just before orgasm so I ended up with about 4 orgasms a week. So now I'm at 5 years post radiation and ADT and fully functional. I am on TRT, but I do not think this is radiation related. My total testosterone was up in the "healthy" range within months after going off ADT, but I have a high level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which locks up testosterone so I need a higher total testosterone level to feed the SHBG and have enough left over for my body to use. Right now that level seems to be in the range of 1000 ng/dL or more.

Guy

I'm now 80 years old 5 years out from IMRT and 6 months of ADT. Pretty much back to normal with TRT and PFT help. One thing the doctors didn't mention is that we should continue sexual activity while on ADT to avoid penile atrophy. I stayed active while on ADT. After 3 years I still didn't feel fully recovered from ADT so checked free testosterone level. Too low so went on TRT. Even after TRT, I didn't feel I'd recovered nocturnal (spontaneous) erections so had PFT and returned to having nocturnal erections. I have a couple of off color comments about that experience, but it worked.

Guy

🤔 I've seen studies and videos by Dr. Mulhall. Pretty good, but still behind in catching up on castrate men being sexually active. Huge ego. My urologist gave me a copy of Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer before I made my treatment choice. On a slight tangent, I've had conversation via email and the Reluctant Brotherhood Zoom sessions with Dr. Richard J. Wassersug, co author of "Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An Essential Guide for Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones" a workbook format that is being used in Canada. Excellent book. He's also done studies with Dr. Erik Wibowo on multiple orgasms.

Dr. Susie Gronski - Doctor of Physical Therapy

Oh, I wasn't aware of the ego — a colleague recommended his book but I've never watched any of his videos or met him in person. I just ordered both of the books you shared, thanks Guy!

Guy

Catch some of Dr. Mulhall's videos on Youtube. Overall, good information and I particularly appreciate the warning about penile atrophy on ADT as it is for the most part given very little attenton. Funny. Like I said, sex while castrate needs non testosterone motivation. Mine was that I would hate myself afterwards if I failed to do what I could. Stats are that something like 10% of men are able to be sexually active while on ADT, but I suspect that is a self reporting situation and not clinical evaluation. I suspect men just forget about sex when there is absolutely, positively zero libido and don't think about trying. J had to remind me a couple of times to do my "exercise". It really takes laser focus as the least distraction sends everything back to having to start all over again. Erotic fantasies or a partner are a must. One downside on the fantasies is after 40 minutes or so of creating fantasies they can go places that would otherwise be uncomfortable, beyond personal boundaries. Hint: oral sex can wake the dead and for going solo olive oil is very, very nice.

Guy

By the way, Dr. Wassersug is about my age, a prostate cancer victim and on ADT for life.