The pelvic region is the lowest part of the abdomen or trunk. In men and women, chronic pelvic pain can have a number of causes, including medical conditions that stem from the reproductive, musculoskeletal, urinary, and digestive systems. Chronic pelvic pain may be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, and mild or severe. It can also significantly reduce a patient’s quality of life. If you’ve been suffering from pelvic pain, it may be time to make an appointment with a urologist to discover the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Causes in Women

Most women are accustomed to experiencing cramps in the pelvic region every month, but some women suffer from particularly severe pain. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for very painful menstruation. Chronic pelvic pain in women could also be the result of endometriosis. This is a condition in which endometrial tissue—which normally lines the uterus—grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can be quite painful, although a urologist can recommend effective treatment options. Chronic bladder infections are another common cause of pelvic pain in women. Also known as chronic cystitis, this condition may increase the risk of kidney infections and even permanent kidney damage, which is why it’s particularly important to undergo treatment. Another possible cause of chronic pelvic pain in women is vaginismus, which refers to the extreme tightening of the pelvic floor muscles. This can occur during sexual intercourse.

Causes in Men

Since women are more likely to experience chronic pelvic pain than men, some men may be less likely to seek treatment for what is often perceived as an embarrassing health condition. But it’s important for men to take charge of their health and see a urologist when necessary. The urologist might determine that the male patient is suffering from prostatitis, which refers to an inflammation of the prostate gland. Another common problem is epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is located at the rear of the testicle. Most often, this condition is caused by a bacterial infection .

There’s no need to live with chronic pelvic pain any longer. Contact Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338 to schedule an appointment with a urologist in Tennessee. Our practice also provides effective treatment solutions for patients with urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence.

Although chronic pelvic pain is most often associated with women, it’s also a real health problem for men. Unfortunately, it can also be difficult to diagnose. Primary care physicians may run numerous tests and fail to come up with an answer for patients’ symptoms. This is one reason why it’s advisable to turn to a specialist for help. A urologist can help men with chronic pelvic pain understand their condition and identify their treatment options.

Symptoms

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) can involve a wide range of symptoms that may arise periodically and may persist for a long time. Men may report suffering from pain in the urethra, penis, prostate, testicles, perineum, rectum, or groin. The pain may even develop in the thighs, lower abdomen, tail bone, and lower back. It’s not unusual for patients to have trouble pinpointing exactly where the pain is, since it can be felt deep within the body, may be intermittent, and may wax and wane.

Complications

Men with CPPS may report various complications to their urologist. Men may suffer from urinary incontinence. CPPS is associated with urinary frequency, urinary urgency, pain while urinating, or a weak stream. Sexual dysfunction may also occur, including erectile dysfunction, low libido, premature ejaculation, and painful ejaculation.

Causes

Chronic pelvic pain is associated with a number of underlying medical problems, including chronic prostatitis. This refers to an inflammation of the prostate gland , which is usually the result of a chronic bacterial infection. Men with chronic prostatitis may find relief with antibiotics, perhaps combined with alpha-blockers. CPPS may also be associated with epididymitis, testicular problems, scrotal problems, and pelvic floor muscle spasms.

At Urology Associates, P.C., we understand the complexities of diagnosing and treating men with chronic pelvic pain. Our team of urology specialists in Tennessee encourages men to visit one of our 12 clinics for an evaluation, even if they have previously been evaluated elsewhere. New and current patients can reach us at (855) 901-1338 to request an appointment.

If you’re suffering from female pelvic pain, you should visit a urologist near you as soon as possible. Female pelvic pain may be a symptom of a variety of different health conditions, and some of them can be serious. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of female pelvic pain.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. UTI symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation or pain when urinating, discolored or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain in the center of the pelvis around the pubic bone, and passing small amounts of urine frequently. If you don’t visit a urologist for UTI treatment, the infection can spread to your kidneys.

Disorders of the Reproductive System

There are a number of health problems that can occur in the female reproductive system whose symptoms include pelvic pain. Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts are very common—and generally benign—causes of pelvic pain. Ovarian cancer can also cause pelvic pain along with other severe symptoms. An ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage may result in pelvic pain, and should be investigated by a gynecologist, obstetrician, or doctor immediately. Pelvic inflammatory disease is another common cause of pelvic pain.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can affect the urinary tract and bladder. There is not always a single, identifiable cause for kidney stones. Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the side and back, abdominal and pelvic pain, painful urination, discolored urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination, fever, and chills. Your urologist can provide kidney stone treatment, which may include antibiotics, pain relievers, or surgery.

If you’re looking for a urologist near Nashville who can provide safe, effective pelvic pain, kidney stone, or UTI treatment, come see us at Urology Associates, P.C. Our urologists have extensive experience in treating and diagnosing the causes of female pelvic pain. To schedule a urology appointment, call us today at (888) 329-7700.

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.