Chronic Pelvic Pain—Male

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

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.

Causes

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

Infections, such as those in the bladder or urinary tract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Problems with nerves and muscles
Constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Depression
Inflammatory bowel disease
Diverticulitis
Cancer
Prior physical or sexual abuse

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:

Blood and urine tests
Cultures and swabs
Tests for STIs
Imaging tests, such as:
Scoping tests to view structures on a video screen:
- Laparoscopy—belly and pelvis
- Cystoscopy—bladder
- Colonoscopy—large intestine

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:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

International Pelvic Pain Society
https://www.pelvicpain.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
https://www.cfpc.ca

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.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 4/20/2021

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