Chronic Pelvic Pain: Men’s Health

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition that affects many men across the world, particularly those over the age of 50. It is defined as pelvic pain for males in the lower abdomen or pelvis that lasts for at least six months, and can be associated with a variety of symptoms, including urinary problems, bowel disturbances, sexual dysfunction, and psychological distress. CPP can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life, affecting his ability to work, engage in physical activity, and enjoy social and sexual relationships.

There are many possible causes of CPP in men, including infections, inflammatory conditions, structural abnormalities, nerve damage, and psychological factors. In some cases, the cause of CPP may be unclear, which can make it difficult to diagnose and treat. It is important for men with CPP to seek medical evaluation to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to their pain and to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men

CPP in men can manifest in a variety of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. Some common symptoms of CPP include:

1. Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis that persists for at least six months
2. Pain or discomfort during or after sexual activity, ejaculation, or urination
3. Urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, or hesitancy
4. Bowel disturbances such as constipation, diarrhoea, or bloating
5. Erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems
6. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or stress

Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men

CPP in men can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammation, structural abnormalities, nerve damage, and psychological factors. Some common causes of CPP in men include:

1. Prostatitis: Prostatitis is a common condition that occurs when the prostate gland becomes inflamed or infected. This can cause pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis, as well as urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, or pain during urination.
2. Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease: Chronic PID is a condition that occurs when an infection spreads to the reproductive organs, causing inflammation and pain. This can lead to CPP, as well as other symptoms such as fever, chills, and vaginal discharge.
3. Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis): Bladder pain syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic region. This can be accompanied by urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and pain during urination.
4. Urethritis: Urethritis is a condition that occurs when the urethra becomes inflamed or infected, causing pain and discomfort during urination. This can lead to CPP in men.
5. Chronic proctalgia: Chronic proctalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain in the rectal or anal area. This can be accompanied by bowel disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating.
6. Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the pelvic region can cause CPP in men. This can be caused by conditions such as pelvic surgery, trauma, or radiation therapy.
7. Psychological factors: Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to CPP in men. These factors can also exacerbate pain and other symptoms.

Diagnosing Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men

Diagnosing chronic pelvic pain for males can be challenging, as there are many possible causes of the condition. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the pain. This may include:

1. Medical history: A detailed medical history can help identify any previous infections, surgeries, or other conditions that may be contributing to the pain.
2. Physical exam: A physical exam can help identify any areas of tenderness or swelling in the pelvic region, as well as any signs of infection or inflammation.

1. Urinalysis: Urinalysis can help identify any signs of infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
2. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can help identify any structural abnormalities or areas of inflammation in the pelvic region.
3. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A PSA test can help identify any abnormalities in the prostate gland, which may be contributing to CPP.
4. Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra. This can help identify any structural abnormalities or areas of inflammation.
5. Neurological exam: A neurological exam can help identify any areas of nerve damage or dysfunction in the pelvic region.

Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men

Chronic pelvic pain treatment options in men depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In some cases, treatment may involve addressing multiple contributing factors. Some common treatments for CPP in men include:

1. Antibiotics: If the underlying cause of CPP is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.
2. Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help relax the muscles in the pelvic region, which can reduce pain and discomfort.
4. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region and improve flexibility. This can help reduce pain and discomfort.
5. Nerve stimulation: Nerve stimulation techniques such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or acupuncture may be used to help relieve pain.
6. Psychological therapy: Psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may be recommended to help address psychological factors that may be contributing to CPP.
7. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural abnormalities or to remove areas of inflammation or infection.
8. Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy for non-bacterial chronic pelvic pain has shown a lot of promise as an effective treatment option. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and a relatively new treatment option. The shockwave therapy for CPP (non-bacterial) includes applying high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area using a handheld device. The waves encourage the regeneration of damaged tissues and the body’s own mechanisms for healing. In turn, this can lessen pelvic pain and inflammation.
9. EMTT therapy: EMTT therapy is also a non-invasive treatment option that can be used to treat non-bacterial chronic pelvic pain.

Prevention of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men

While not all cases of CPP can be prevented, there are some steps men can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition. These include:

1. Practice safe sex: Practicing safe sex can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to CPP.
2. Maintain good hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene can help prevent infections that can lead to CPP.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region and improve overall health.
4. Manage stress: Stress can contribute to CPP, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, may be helpful.
5. Seek prompt medical evaluation: Seeking prompt medical evaluation for any symptoms of CPP can help identify and treat underlying conditions before they become more severe.

Conclusion

Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition that affects many men, particularly those over the age of 50. It is defined as pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that lasts for at least six months, and can be associated with a variety of symptoms, including urinary problems, bowel disturbances, sexual dysfunction, and psychological distress. CPP can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life, affecting his ability to work, engage in physical activity, and enjoy social and sexual relationships. It is important for men with CPP to seek medical evaluation to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to their pain and to develop an individualise treatment plan.

If anyone is suffering from non-bacterial CPP then treatment options like shockwave therapy and EMTT therapy could be very effective. That’s why it’s important to consult with a reputable shockwave therapy provider if anyone is looking to get this treatment. One such reputable shockwave therapy provider is Shockwave Clinics Ltd. Shockwave Clinics is a men’s health clinic and the leading shockwave therapy provider in the Europe. The clinic also offers other non-invasive treatment options like NanoVi and Tesla chair.