Overview

Definition

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

Male Pelvic Organs
Male pelvis lateral
Includes bladder, prostate (under bladder), and the colon.
© Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

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:
    • 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, 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.

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.

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 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.