Understanding Ongoing Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is a persistent issue that affects both men and women, depleting energy, disrupting daily activities, and straining relationships.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
While pelvic pain is often linked to women’s reproductive health, it can arise from various organs in the lower abdomen, including the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.
- In men, pelvic pain is most commonly caused by prostatitis.
- In women, non-gynecologic pelvic pain often results from interstitial cystitis.
- Both men and women may experience pelvic pain due to urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Prostatitis: A Common Cause of Male Pelvic Pain
Prostatitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland, which can result from:
- A bacterial infection
- Injury
- Nerve damage affecting the prostate
Symptoms of Prostatitis
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Pain during ejaculation
- Trouble ejaculating
- Discomfort in the bladder, testicles, or penis
The most prevalent form, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), is linked to inflammation or nerve irritation rather than an infection.
Interstitial Cystitis: A Chronic Bladder Condition
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the bladder, urinary tract, and immune system. While both men and women can develop IC, it is more common in women.
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Pelvic pain, especially when the bladder is full
- Pain during intercourse
Though the exact cause of IC remains unknown, possible contributing factors include:
- Urinary irritants
- Bladder trauma
- Mast cell activation
- Hormonal fluctuations
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Pain
The Comprehensive Urology team employs advanced diagnostic tools, including:
- Urine tests, blood work, and imaging
- Urodynamics (to assess bladder and urinary function)
- Video-cystoscopy (a detailed bladder examination)
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing (to detect infections and other conditions)
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Biofeedback
- Intravesical instillation therapy
- Dietary management
- Nutraceutical supplements
- Medical therapy, such as anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics (for bacterial prostatitis)
By identifying the root cause and using a personalized treatment approach, urology specialists help patients manage and alleviate chronic pelvic pain effectively.
