Chronic Pelvic Pain - Male
Overview
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
- Past physical or sexual abuse
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
A person with chronic pelvic pain may have:
- 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 when doing certain activities
- Pain while sitting for a long time
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may also ask questions about the pain.
Other tests that may be done are:
- Blood and urine tests
- Cultures and swabs
- Tests for STIs
- Imaging tests, such as:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Scoping tests to view structures on a video screen:
- Laparoscopy—belly and pelvis
- Cystoscopy—bladder
- Colonoscopy—large intestine
Treatments
Treatment
The cause will need to be treated. It may involve one or more methods. Choices are:
- Medicines to:
- Treat certain types of infections
- Ease pain
- Help with mood
- Relax muscles
- Nerve blocks to ease pain
- Surgery to treat the cause
- Counseling to learn how to cope with stress and pain
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.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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