If you are one of the many men suffering from chronic pelvic pain, you may feel that relief is unattainable. While more women than men experience pelvic pain, CPPS significantly impacts the health of approximately 2% to 10% of adult males. [1]
Your chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) may not have a cure, but treatment can improve your symptoms.[2] Whether your pelvic pain is constant or comes and goes, it can severely impact your life. CPPS can be challenging to manage, but a comprehensive pain management treatment plan can help you find relief.
Understanding CPPS: What is Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?
Pelvic pain located between your belly button and mid-thigh lasting at least 3 of the last 6 months is classified as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).[3] CPPS, also known as chronic prostatitis (CP), presents with urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction but without a urinary tract infection (UTI).[3] Male pelvic pain usually means there’s an issue associated with the prostate, genitals or urinary system. Getting the correct diagnosis can be challenging because CPPS shares symptoms similar to other conditions.[3]
Do I Have CPPS?
Chronic pain due to CPPS can vary in intensity and may be linked to urologic, digestive, or musculoskeletal issues. Depending on the underlying cause, men can experience a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms last more than three months and can fluctuate from mild to severe.
According to Healthline, these are signs you may experience if you have CPPS:
- Pelvic Pain: Discomfort or aching in the lower abdomen, lower back or rectum.
- Genital Pain: Pain in the perineum, scrotum (testicles) or penis.
- Urinary Issues: Frequent urination, urgency, or pain during urination.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Pain during or after ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is usually diagnosed by ruling out other medical conditions first. [4] See your doctor if you’re a biological male with any of the symptoms previously mentioned. They will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and run tests to find the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan. [4]
What Causes Chronic Male Pelvic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) may have no known cause even after in-depth testing and diagnostic imaging. The most common cause of pelvic pain is chronic prostatitis (CP) or inflammation of the male prostate, which can cause discomfort during urination and ejaculation.[5]
Here are several other causes of CPPS :
- Post-vasectomy pain [6]
- Nerve entrapment [6]
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) [6]
- Kidney stones [6]
- Bladder stones [7]
- Enlarged spleen [7]
- Painful bladder syndrome [7]
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (this may be a symptom or a cause) [5]
- Prostate bacterial infection (prostatitis) [3]
- Excessive sitting [6]
- Injury or trauma [4]
- Hernia [6]
- Autoimmune disorders [2]
- STIs (sexually transmitted infections) [2]
- Stress and depression [2]
- Myofascial pain syndrome [2]
Am I at Risk for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) affects many men, but certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing this condition. Muscle tension or spasms in the pelvic floor, hip impingement, and past infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been linked to CPPS.[7] Other possible risk factors include hernias, an overactive bladder, and issues with nerve function in the pelvic region. Autoimmune disease increases your risk of CPPS. Men living sedentary lifestyles are also at a higher risk of developing this condition.[6]
Can I Stop My Pelvic Pain From Hurting?
Depending on the cause of your chronic pelvic pain, there may not be a definitive cure. But don’t despair, there are treatment strategies that can help manage symptoms and reduce your pain. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but with a combination of medical care and multiple treatment approaches, relief is possible!
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat infections, reduce inflammation, or relax your pelvic muscles. Physical therapy can also be beneficial for addressing pelvic floor dysfunction and strengthening targeted muscles.
Lifestyle changes like eating healthy, staying active, and participating in psychotherapy can improve your physical and mental health. Avoiding bladder irritants (alcohol and caffeine), practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation and yoga, and using at-home care—such as warm baths—can help relax tense muscles and enhance comfort.
While interventional pain management won’t cure CPPS, targeted treatments can significantly reduce your pain. Procedures like nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and neuromodulation (spinal cord stimulation) can provide relief, allowing you to go about your day pain-free.
What to Do If Chronic Pelvic Pain Is Disrupting Your Life
Living with chronic pelvic pain can be challenging, but a proactive approach can make a significant difference. Don’t muscle through your pain. Seek professional help to nail down a diagnosis and explore your treatment options.
Finding the right combination of treatments may take time, so be patient and communicate openly with your healthcare team for optimum results. Due to the intimate nature of your condition, you may be reluctant to share what you are experiencing, but giving a detailed explanation will ensure you find relief faster.
While your CPPS may not completely disappear, a comprehensive pain management plan can help improve your condition. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment for your pelvic pain. The path to relief may only be a phone call away!
Resources:
- Habermacher GM, Chason JT, Schaeffer AJ. Prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Annu Rev Med [Internet]. 2006;57:195-206. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.57.011205.135654 Accessed February 26, 2025. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16409145
- Watson RA. Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men: Practice Essentials, Etiology, Epidemiology. Medscape [Internet].com. Published October 28, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2025. Available from:. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/437745-overview#a5y
- Smith CP. Male chronic pelvic pain: An update. Indian J Urol [Internet]. 2016;32(1):34-39. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.173105 Accessed February 26, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4756547
- Jacques E. What to Know About Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Very Well Health [Internet]. Updated April 11, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2025. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/prostate-pain-treatment-2564490
- Roushar A. What is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). ISSM. Published September 10, 2013. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-headlines/what-is-chronic-prostatitis-chronic-pelvic-pain-syndrome-cp-cpps
- Nunez K. What Causes Pelvic Pain in Males and How to Treat It. Healthline [Internet]. Accessed February 26, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-pain-in-men
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome – Male. Physiopedia [Internet]. Published 2017. Accessed February 26, 2025. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Chronic_Pelvic_Pain_Syndrome_-_Male
