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Chronic Pelvic Pain—Male

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Chronic Pelvic Pain—Male

Definition

Pelvic pain occurs between the belly button and the hips and groin. It is chronic when it lasts for 6 months or more.

Male Pelvic Organs.

Includes bladder, prostate (under bladder), and the colon.

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Causes

Many health problems can cause chronic pelvic pain, such as:

Risk Factors

The risk of chronic pelvic pain is higher in men who have any of the problems listed above.

Symptoms

Common problems are:

  • Constant pain or a dull ache in the pelvis
  • Burning, shooting pain
  • An urgent need to pass stool or urine
  • Pain that comes and goes
  • Pain that ranges from mild to severe
  • Pain with certain activities
  • Pain while sitting for a long time

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You will also be asked about your pain.

Other tests may be:

Treatment

The cause will need to be treated. It may involve one or more methods. Choices are:

  • Medicines, such as:
    • Antibiotics to treat certain types of infections
    • Pain relievers
    • Antidepressants
    • Muscle relaxants
  • Nerve blocks to ease pain
  • Surgery to treat the cause
  • Counseling to learn how to cope with stress and pain

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem. It has many causes.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Chronic pelvic pain. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/chronic-pelvic-pain. Accessed November 24, 2020.
  • Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-prostatitis-chronic-pelvic-pain-syndrome. Accessed November 24, 2020.
  • Engeler D, Baranowski AP, et al. European Association of Urology (EAU). EAU guidelines on chronic pelvic pain. EAU 2015.
  • Pelvic pain. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/symptoms-of-gynecologic-disorders/pelvic-pain. Accessed November 24, 2020.
  • 5/18/2015 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-prostatitis-chronic-pelvic-pain-syndrome: Zhang R, Chomistek AK, et al. Physical activity and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Apr;47(4):757-764.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2020-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.