In men, the source of chronic pain in the pelvic region is often the prostate gland. Surrounding the urethra, the prostate gland—about the size of a walnut—is located below the bladder. Its function is to secrete fluid in the semen that provides protection for sperm.Pelvic congestion syndrome is a chronic condition that affects women and men and can be a cause of chronic pelvic pain. In CPPS, the pain continues even after the infection has been resolved. Consequently, CPPS is sometimes called Chronic Non-Bacterial Prostatitis, Category III Chronic Prostatitis and was formerly known as Prostatodynia.
CPPS in men can cause a wide range of symptoms in the pelvic, rectal, perineal and / or abdominal areas. Patients have presented with pain upon urination or a feeling of urinary urgency; pain in the testicles, in the pubic area, at the tip of the penis, upon ejaculation or when sitting; and pain or a sense of fullness in the abdomen. Other frequently experienced symptoms include conditions relating to sexual dysfunction, i.e. erectile dysfunction (ED) or diminished libido.
Often, CPPS affects a patient’s pelvic floor muscles. Surrounding the genitals, these muscles provide support for the organs, give stability to the lumbo-pelvic area, and help to enable continence, erectile function and ejaculation. Men suffering from CPPS can experience dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, including shortening, spams, myosfascial trigger points or tender areas, leading to overactive pelvic floor muscle or hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction.
In addition to the prostate gland, there can be other causes of CPPS in men. These include musculoskeletal, sacroiliac joint or lumbar spine conditions.
A range of medical and/or physical therapy protocols may be used to treat CPPS.
Click here for more about Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Men and how Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy, P.C., can help patients suffering from this condition.
