Down There

What’s Recovery After Prostate Surgery Really Like?

This episode is an honest conversation about what recovery after prostate surgery really feels like. Pelvic floor physical therapist Laura McKaig interviews fellow pelvic PT Charles Dudley, MPT, COMT, owner of Davenport Pelvic Therapy, who shares his personal journey as both a provider and a prostate surgery patient. Charles opens up about urinary retention, catheters, incontinence, pelvic floor rehab, complications after surgery, and the emotional reality many men quietly struggle with during recovery. ⏱️ Timestamps: [00:57] – Meet Charles Dudley [03:14] – Why Men Need Pelvic PT [03:55] – His Symptoms and Diagnosis [07:31] – Becoming a Pelvic Specialist [10:04] – Clinic Access and Travel [12:18] – Aquablation Surgery Story [17:27] – Complications and Second TURP [29:35] – Incontinence Products Reality [32:46] – Coordination Over Strength [35:35] – ShockWave And Fascial Effects [36:36] – Prostate Recovery Mythbusting Game [42:58] – Pads, YouTube, and taking YouTube advice [46:13] – Emsella Chair Reality Check [50:50] – Recovery Takeaways And Resources Charles Dudley, MPT, COMT Info-Bio: Charles is founder of Davenport Pelvic Therapy in Davenport FL. He first discovered about the importance of pelvic health after being diagnosed with a bladder dysfunction. Currently he is the only male physical therapist in his state specializing in men’s pelvic floor therapy. Charles seeks to improve his knowledge and passes it along to others through continued study, assisting and teaching men's pelvic health courses, as well as writing articles for several medical publications. He provides physical therapy services in his Florida-based locations as well as offering phone or virtual consultations nation-wide. You can contact Charles at charles@davenportpelvic.com [charles@davenportpelvic.com] Website: https://davenportpelvic.com/ [https://davenportpelvic.com/] 👉 Join the “What’s Up Down There” email list: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact [https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact] 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss new monthly episodes 👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025 [https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025] 👉 Send topic requests — listener questions directly shape future content Here’s to practical education, sustainable impact, and better pelvic health in 2026. 🎵 Music Credits: Original composition “Down There” by Forest Stewart ***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

What is recovery really like after prostatectomy?

This episode is for any man facing prostate surgery or recovering and wondering if things will ever feel normal again. When Wayne was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 73, he felt what many men feel: fear, confusion, and uncertainty about what to do next. Surgery or radiation? What would recovery look like? Would life ever feel “normal” again? In this episode, Men's pelvic health expert Laura McKaig interviews her past patient Wayne, who shares his real, unfiltered journey from diagnosis to recovery, including something most men are never told about: 👉 Pelvic floor “prehab” before surgery Wait… you can actually prepare your body before prostate surgery? Have a listen and find out. ⏱️ Timestamps: [00:57] – Meet Wayne [02:46] – Cancer Diagnosis Path [04:00] – Prehab Before Prostatectomy [07:48] – Finding the Prostate Network [09:43] – Post Surgery Challenges [12:03] – Incontinence Expectations [14:54] – Starting Pelvic PT [17:00] – Aha Moments in Recovery [18:39] – Hemorrhoids Roadblock [21:38] – Beyond Just Kegels [23:12] – Whole Body Wellness [26:58] – I’m Continent Now [27:50] – Life After Therapy [30:12] – Advice For New People Diagnosed 👉 Join the “What’s Up Down There” email list: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact [https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact] 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss new monthly episodes 👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025 [https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025] 👉 Send topic requests — listener questions directly shape future content Here’s to practical education, sustainable impact, and better pelvic health in 2026. 🎵 Music Credits: Original composition “Down There” by Forest Stewart ***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

To Kegel or Not to Kegel: Is That the Question?

This episode is for everyone with a pelvis! The go-to fix for many pelvic floor issues is often “Do Kegels”. But is that really the answer? Men's pelvic health expert Laura McKaig teams up with her local colleague, Kesley Beach DPT, pregnancy/postpartum expert. Wait a minute…what does post-prostate surgery have to do with postpartum? Have a listen and find out! We’ve been wanting to do this episode together for quite some time, and it finally happened. Laura and Kelsey are coming in hot on the topic of Kegels: the truths, myths, and even the controversy surrounding this exercise. You may agree, you may disagree with our take on Kegels, or you may end up with more questions. In any case, we welcome your comments and questions! It’s time to have more open and informed conversations about this topic. We also invite you to help us spread the word, and to share this episode with someone else, maybe even your doctor! It’s for people of any gender and any age. ⏱️ Timestamps: [01:08] – Kegel or Not [01:18] – Meet Kelsey Beach [02:28] – Why Pelvic PT [06:40] – What Is a Kegel [10:17] – Kegel Myths Online [19:42] – Better Kegel Cues [22:11] – Mens Kegel Cues [24:12] – Urine Stop Debate [27:50] – Sculpt Chair Scam [31:29] – Kegel Trainers Weights [34:53] – Final Takeaways Kelsey’s Info-Bio: Our special guest is Kelsey Beach, DPT. Kelsey is founder of enCORE Therapy & Performance, specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy, pregnancy, postpartum care, and birth preparation. Since earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Southwest Baptist University in 2011, she has been deeply immersed in this niche. It was during her first pregnancy in 2020 that she realized the significant lack of education available to pregnant women regarding their physical changes and preparation for birth. This led her to integrate pelvic floor rehab, functional mobility, and pregnancy education, culminating in the “birth” of enCORE Therapy. Website: https://www.encoretherapykc.com/ [https://www.encoretherapykc.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.pt.birth.nerd/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.pt.birth.nerd/] 👉 Join the “What’s Up Down There” email list: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact [https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact] 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss new monthly episodes 👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025 [https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025] 👉 Send topic requests — listener questions directly shape future content Here’s to practical education, sustainable impact, and better pelvic health in 2026. 🎵 Music Credits: Original composition “Down There” by Forest Stewart ***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

My 2026 Reset: The Future of This Pelvic Health Podcast

Welcome to the first episode of the new 2026 season. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Laura McKaig shares a clear roadmap for where this podcast and her pelvic health education is headed this year. Instead of trends and hype, this is a practical reset built around impact, sustainability, and better education for people who want their bodies to function well in everyday life. Laura shares her 2026 “ins and outs” — what she’s intentionally leaning into, what she’s leaving behind, and how this will shape future podcast episodes, YouTube education, and pelvic health resources. You’ll hear what’s changing, what’s staying, and how this shift will better support those who are often the most underserved when it comes to pelvic health needs, as well as their caregivers, partners, and healthcare providers. Throughout the year, Laura will be sharing: * Free pelvic health resources * Long-form trainings * Self-guided rehab programs * Practical tools for recovery and symptom control ⏱️ Timestamps: [01:10] – Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned [02:41] – What's In for 2026: Slowing Down and Protecting Energy [06:49] – Focus on Long-Form Education and YouTube [10:40] – Men's Pelvic Health and Aging Well [13:32] – Community Engagement and Collaboration [16:04] – What's Out for 2026: Narrowing Focus and Avoiding Burnout [20:00] – Inclusive Content for All [23:10] – Building an online Community and Support [26:56] – Redefining what Success is 👉 Join the “What’s Up Down There” email list: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact [https://www.pelvicconnection.com/contact] 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss new monthly episodes 👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025 [https://www.youtube.com/@pelvicconnection2025] 👉 Send topic requests — listener questions directly shape future content Here’s to practical education, sustainable impact, and better pelvic health in 2026. 🎵 Music Credits: Original composition “Down There” by Forest Stewart ***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

2025 Wins for Pelvic Health — Here’s What Changed (for Men & Women)

Pelvic health care doesn’t usually make headlines but 2025 quietly changed a lot. In this episode of Down There, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Laura McKaig breaks down the biggest research findings, guideline updates, and policy changes from 2025 that are already improving pelvic health care for both men and women. We’ll talk about: * Why pelvic floor physical therapy is increasingly supported as first-line care * What new research says about telehealth and digital pelvic health programs * Major updates in care for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) * The FDA’s removal of the black box warning on estrogen products — and why that matters * New guidelines validating care for chronic pelvic pain in men * Advances in post-prostatectomy pelvic floor rehabilitation * And why these changes mean earlier care, more options, and less fear for patients Whether you’re dealing with bladder symptoms, pelvic pain, menopause-related changes, or recovering from prostate surgery. This episode is about hope, progress, and better care moving forward. ⏱️ Timestamps: [00:24] – 2025: A Milestone Year for Pelvic Health [00:51] – Celebrating Research and Policy Wins [02:04] – Reflecting on the Year 2025 [03:19] – The Evolution of Pelvic Health [04:52] – Research Wins in Pelvic Health [07:57] – Early Intervention in Pelvic Floor Therapy [09:02] – Telehealth and Digital Care Advancements [11:59] – Men's Pelvic Health: Community-Based Rehab [13:25] – Genital Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) [15:58] – FDA Removes Black Box Warning on Estrogen Products [18:21] – Updated Guidelines for Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men [21:20] – Detailed Examination and Multidisciplinary Care [25:25] – Three Important Studies in Pelvic Health [25:55] – Digital Pelvic Therapy for Postmenopausal Women [28:56] – Long-Term Adherence to Pelvic Floor Exercises [30:54] – Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men with Neurological Disorders [33:00] – Implications of Recent Research and Guidelines 🔗 Resources & Next Steps ✔️ Subscribe for evidence-based pelvic health education https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA] ✔️ Download free pelvic health resources (links below) ✔️ Learn more about pelvic floor therapy for men & women: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ [https://www.pelvicconnection.com/] 📄 Research Articles Cited in This Episode * Concomitant Overactive Bladder Treatment and Adherence to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40694073/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40694073/] * Telehealth Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postpartum Women Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 49(2):p 72–82, April/June 2025 DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000329 * Community-Based Pelvic Floor Rehab After Prostatectomy https://www.ics.org/2025/abstract/345 [https://www.ics.org/2025/abstract/345] * Guidelines for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause American Urological Association, ©2025 * FDA Announcement on Black Box Warning Removal https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy [https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy] * Guidelines for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain American Urological Association, ©2025 * Digital Care for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2025;13:e68242 https://mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e68242 [https://mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e68242] * Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Male Neurological Patients: Systematic Review (Abstract) Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 49(1S):p S3–S48, Jan 2025 DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000330 * Adherence 8 Years After Pelvic PT in Older Women with UI https://www.ics.org/2025/abstract/449 [https://www.ics.org/2025/abstract/449] 🎧 Connect & Share Have questions or want to connect? 👉 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/ [https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/] 👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/ [https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/] 👩‍⚕️ Find a pelvic floor therapist near you: https://pelvicglobal.com/directory/ [https://pelvicglobal.com/directory/] 🎵 Music Credits: Original composition “Down There” by Forest Stewart ***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.