Pelvic pain in men

Men often don’t realise that they have a pelvic floor, or they don't seem to think about it, but they most certainly do. The pelvic floor plays an important role in continence and staying dry.  

It is less common in men to have leakage but it is one of the side effects of a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland). Also, it is natural for pelvic floor muscles to weaken with age. 

Pelvic Pain in Men Causes 

There are a few things that may be causing your pelvic pain;

Cystitis

Cystitis is a bladder infection, the walls of your bladder become irritated and inflamed. This causes a strong urge to urinate even after you have gone. It causes pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, it can be felt as pressure or tenderness and in some cases intense pain. 

Mild cystitis can clear up on its own within a few days however it’s advised you see your GP to get antibiotics as If left untreated a bladder infection can lead to kidney infections. 

Symptoms include but are not limited to: 

• Frequent urination

• Pain or tingling feeling during or after urination 

• Dark urine 

• Strong odor

• Trouble urinating, especially if you have the sensation of needing to go.  

UTI’s 

Yes, men can also get urinary tract infections however there is a higher risk in older men. The symptoms are similar to that of Cystitis listed above. 

Overactive pelvic floor muscles

Male pelvic pain is also known as chronic prostatitis (CP) or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). It is more often than not caused by overactive muscles, the pelvic floor is too tense and not able to ever fully relax. The pelvic floor, like any muscle or group of muscles, needs to be able to shorten and contract and also to lengthen and relax. 

Some conditions may arise from this overactivity in the pelvic floor; IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) chronic prostatitis, and post pelvic trauma. It can present as penile, testicular, or groin pain with pain during urination or sexual activity.

Physiotherapy can help reduce these symptoms and help improve your pelvic floor support. 

At our Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic in Dublin 4, we have expertise in dealing with Pelvic pain in men. Our Clinic director Aileen Mcquire runs the pelvic floor rehabilitation service in the clinic treating both male and female patients with bladder and bowel incontinence and pelvic pain.