Could Chronic Pelvic Pain be Prostatitis?
Posted on April 22, 2024 by root
Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition that affects millions of men worldwide. It is characterized by persistent pain in the lower abdomen, groin and pelvic area. The pain can be dull or sharp and can range from mild to severe. Various factors, including bladder problems, muscle spasms and nerve damage can cause the condition. However, one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain is prostatitis.
Justin Houman, MD, a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained Men’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist in Los Angeles, shares more about this condition.
What is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which is a small gland located just below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces fluid that helps to nourish and protect sperm. When the prostate gland becomes inflamed, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, swelling and difficulty urinating. There are several types of prostatitis, but the most common type is chronic prostatitis.
Chronic prostatitis is a long-term condition that can cause persistent pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. It is estimated that about 10% of men will develop chronic prostatitis at some point in their lives. Various factors, including bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders and nerve damage can cause the condition.
Common Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of chronic prostatitis is chronic pelvic pain. Men with chronic prostatitis may experience pain in the lower abdomen, groin, and pelvic area. The pain can be constant or intermittent, ranging from mild to severe. Other symptoms of chronic prostatitis can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Blood in the urine
- Pain during ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain, it is important to see Dr. Houman right away. He can perform a physical exam and run tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Los Angeles Treatment for Prostatitis
If Dr. Houman suspects that you have chronic prostatitis, he may recommend a course of antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections that may be present. In addition to antibiotics, several other treatments for chronic prostatitis may help relieve symptoms. These treatments can include:
- Pain medications
- Alpha-blockers to help relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate
- Physical therapy to help relieve muscle tension in the pelvic area
- Prostate massage to help release built-up fluid in the prostate gland
If you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain, it is important to seek medical attention. While chronic prostatitis is one possible cause of pelvic pain, there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. By working with Dr. Houman, you can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.
With the right treatment, it is possible to manage chronic pelvic pain from Prostatitis and improve your quality of life. Don’t prolong your chronic pelvic pain any longer. Request a consultation with Justin Houman, MD, using our online form or contact us by calling (310) 854-9898.
Posted on behalf of Justin Houman MD