Biochemical, physiological, anatomical and behavioral effects on the pelvic floor of castrated and/or denervated male mammals

The pelvic floor (PF) is a complex anatomical structure involved in various functions, such as pelvic organ support, continence control, and sexual function. Alterations in this region can have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals. Research on its function and dysfunction has been less explored in the male sex compared to the female sex. In the field of neuroscience and physiology, animal models have provided essential tools to study alterations in the PF, specifically through procedures such as castration and denervation. These models allow the analysis of the effects of the absence of gonadal hormones and the interruption of innervation on muscle tissue, metabolic mechanisms, and behavior. This review addresses the biochemical, physiological, anatomical, and behavioral effects observed in male mammals that have undergone castration, denervation and combination of both procedures. The analysis is based on studies published between 2000 and 2023 on original articles and relevant reviews related to the pelvic floor, identified from keyword searches in PubMed, Google Scholar or directly from indexed journals. The aim is to provide a broader understanding of alterations in the male PF, identify gaps in knowledge and explore possible clinical and therapeutic applications for conditions related to this anatomical region.