Pelvic Pain in Men: What Is Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) can be a debilitating condition and difficult to treat. Most men who experience this condition have a difficult time living their lives the way they want to, whether that is exercising, enjoying a leisurely walk, going out with friends, or engaging in sexual activity.
It’s not uncommon to hear stories of men going through round after round of antibiotics, endless testing, scopes, back and forth between specialists, and even surgeries—only to have the symptoms persist.
What Is CP/CPPS?
When pelvic pain lasts longer than six months, it’s classified as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, or Chronic Prostatitis in men, although it may have nothing to do with the prostate. This condition affects anywhere from 2–8% of men worldwide, but over 90% of men with prostatitis. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:
Pain in the pelvic area and genitalia
Difficulty urinating
Pain with urination
Pain during or after ejaculation
Urinary urgency and/or frequency
Constipation or diarrhea
How Is It Diagnosed?
CP/CPPS is often diagnosed during a clinical exam with a physician. Testing may include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, urinalysis, and lab cultures, CT or MRI, or even a laparoscopy. Treatment of CP/CPPS is guided by what the test results show: if there is an active bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. If there are growths or cysts, a surgery may be scheduled for removal.
However, because chronic pelvic pain is so multifaceted, it isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, test results come back clear, without finding an obvious cause, even though the pain is very real. Alternatively, the treatment may not fully resolve the symptoms—sometimes because it only targets one piece of the puzzle, like infection or inflammation, rather than the broader picture. In fact, studies have even shown that there isn’t one singular “best” treatment for CP/CPPS. That’s why individualized, multimodal treatment plans tend to be more effective.
So, What Does “Multimodal Treatment” for CP/CPPS Mean?
"Multimodal" means utilizing more than one treatment. Utilizing more than one treatment can save time, provide faster relief of symptoms, and be a more individualized approach to the patient. In the treatment of CP/CPPS, a multimodal approach might include:
Medications: Options can include antibiotics, hormone therapy, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and sometimes antidepressants.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: This is a big one. Many cases of CP/CPPS are linked to overactive pelvic floor muscles. This is where we come in! At Pelvic Health and Wellness, we specialize in addressing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in men in a way that works for you. Reducing pain, improving mobility, providing urination strategies, and using soft tissue mobilization can significantly improve symptoms associated with CP/CPPS and improve your quality of life.
Talk Therapy: Up to 62% of people with CP/CPPS also report symptoms of anxiety. This often relates to the stress-pain cycle: stress causes muscle tension, which causes more pain, which causes more stress. Working with a mental health provider can help you manage stress, break the cycle, and feel more in control.
Trigger Point Injections: These involve injecting pain-relieving or numbing medications directly into tight pelvic muscles to relieve discomfort.
Surgery: While not common, surgery may be considered in certain cases, like when conservative treatments haven’t worked or when tumors or cysts are present.
The Most Important Takeaway? You're Not Alone, You Have Options.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, you are not alone! This is a common condition worldwide and can have a variety of different causes. The first step is to talk with your doctor and share a detailed account of your symptoms. From there, treatment options can vary, but the important thing to remember is that there ARE options, and ones that will fit your lifestyle.
At Pelvic Health and Wellness, we treat symptoms related to pelvic pain every day. We offer a plethora of intervention options, including soft tissue mobilizations, mobility training, dry needling, exercises, deep breathing, and so many more to provide relief. As a noninvasive treatment option, pelvic floor physical therapy for men has been shown to have a huge impact on CP/CPPS symptoms, and we are here to help! Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
About Pelvic Health & Wellness
Pelvic Health & Wellness was built with you in mind. We practice whole-person, individualized pelvic floor physical therapy in a caring and safe environment. Our physical therapists specialize in treating pelvic health concerns such as pelvic floor dysfunction, men’s health, bowel and gut health, pain, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, incontinence, fertility, and various pregnancy and postpartum-related conditions.
We understand that being ready to talk about and address your pelvic floor wellness concerns comes from a place of strength. We are here to support and encourage you on your journey back to health so you can return to doing what you love! If you are ready to take the first step in reclaiming your pelvic health and wellness, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.