A Look at Pelvic Pain in Men

Pelvic pain commonly occurs in women; however, it may also affect men. Male pelvic pain typically involves prostatitis, which refers to the inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. This common urological health condition can be troublesome; however, it is not usually associated with prostate cancer and there are treatment options available. Men who suffer from pelvic pain can request a referral to a local urologist to discuss their options.

Additional Symptoms

In addition to pelvic pain, prostatitis can cause symptoms such as painful urination, difficult urination, and frequent urination. Men may feel the urgent need to urinate and they may experience pain of the penis or testicles. The pelvic pain may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen, lower back, and perineum. When prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, men may suffer from flu-like symptoms. Painful orgasms can also occur.

Possible Causes

Bacterial prostatitis can develop when bacteria present in the urine get into the prostate . Other possible causes of prostatitis include nervous system disorders, immune system disorders, and physical trauma to the pelvic area. Sometimes, it is difficult for the urologist to determine what may have caused prostatitis. Some possible risk factors include engaging in rectal sex, having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate, and having recently used a urinary catheter. Men who are diabetic, those with a suppressed immune system, and those with congenital urinary tract abnormalities are at an increased risk of prostatitis, as are those who have previously been diagnosed with this condition.

Potential Treatment Options

If your urologist determines that the patient has bacterial prostatitis, he or she can prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the problem. Sometimes, men may need intravenous antibiotics and a stay in the hospital. Otherwise, men may find relief of symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, and lifestyle changes.

Urology Associates, P.C. provides compassionate care for men and women with urology health problems. Men who are experiencing a condition that affects the prostate can give us a call at (888) 329-7700 to schedule an appointment with one of our urologists in Tennessee. Our clinic also provides effective treatment options for urologic cancers and erectile dysfunction.