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Our experienced physiotherapists can help you manage your pain. We have been successful treating this problem both in-clinic and online. |
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT CAUSES IT?
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
WHAT IS IT?
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a fairly common condition defined by pain and discomfort in the pelvic area accompanied by urinary and sexual dysfunctions in men. Although not life-threatening, it can greatly affect your quality of life.
The main symptoms of CPPS are constant or intermittent pain and discomfort in the pelvic floor muscles, prostate, testicles, penis, rectum, perineum, lower abdomen, groin, coccyx and/or lower back that has been present for at least three months. Pain severity may vary from day to day. Some men experience sexual issues such as painful or premature ejaculation and/or erectile dysfunction. Problems such as increased urinary frequency and urgency, pain when urinating and/or a poor urinary stream may also be present.
The main symptoms of CPPS are constant or intermittent pain and discomfort in the pelvic floor muscles, prostate, testicles, penis, rectum, perineum, lower abdomen, groin, coccyx and/or lower back that has been present for at least three months. Pain severity may vary from day to day. Some men experience sexual issues such as painful or premature ejaculation and/or erectile dysfunction. Problems such as increased urinary frequency and urgency, pain when urinating and/or a poor urinary stream may also be present.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
It was previously assumed the prostate gland was responsible for the aforementioned symptoms. This is why this condition is also known as chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). Research now shows that the prostate gland is generally not the source of the problem; therefore the term ‘’chronic pelvic pain syndrome’’ is more accurate. Some types of prostatitis are due to bacterial infections and can be treated with antibiotics. In 90% of the cases, however, there is no infection or inflammation of the prostate. These cases are categorized as CPPS.
There is no consensus on a medical cause of CPPS; however, some risk factors have been identified. Some of these include prolonged slouched postures, bicycle riding for extended periods, weight lifting, trauma, surgery or infection in the pelvis, and excessive stress and anxiety (in general or specifically related to sexual encounters).
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles is known to cause a variety of issues at the level of the pelvic organs and tissues (namely blood vessels and nerves) due to their close relationship. Most people with CPPS have chronic tenderness, increased tension and even spasms in their pelvic floor muscles, and it is thought that this contributes significantly to the pain experienced.
Tension in the pelvic floor musculature can be due to a physical trauma or strain; however, it is more commonly due to negative past experiences, and mental and emotional stresses translating into physical tension in the pelvic region. Pelvic floor muscle tension can be felt as pain, and it can also compromise the normal function of the anus and urethra and other pelvic structures (e.g. nerve or blood vessel compression), which can subsequently cause more pain that can be referred to the coccyx, perineum, rectum, anus and genitals.
There is no consensus on a medical cause of CPPS; however, some risk factors have been identified. Some of these include prolonged slouched postures, bicycle riding for extended periods, weight lifting, trauma, surgery or infection in the pelvis, and excessive stress and anxiety (in general or specifically related to sexual encounters).
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles is known to cause a variety of issues at the level of the pelvic organs and tissues (namely blood vessels and nerves) due to their close relationship. Most people with CPPS have chronic tenderness, increased tension and even spasms in their pelvic floor muscles, and it is thought that this contributes significantly to the pain experienced.
Tension in the pelvic floor musculature can be due to a physical trauma or strain; however, it is more commonly due to negative past experiences, and mental and emotional stresses translating into physical tension in the pelvic region. Pelvic floor muscle tension can be felt as pain, and it can also compromise the normal function of the anus and urethra and other pelvic structures (e.g. nerve or blood vessel compression), which can subsequently cause more pain that can be referred to the coccyx, perineum, rectum, anus and genitals.
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
When the cause of pain is non-bacterial, research has shown us that drugs such as antibiotics, alpha-blockers, and anti-inflammatories, and surgeries are rarely successful. Avoiding some of the risk factors or aggravating positions and activities listed above can potentially help with CPPS symptoms. Stress management techniques, meditation or other relaxing activities can also be useful.
Since tension of the pelvic floor musculature is a common pain generator, perineal and pelvic rehabilitation to release pelvic floor muscle tension is effective in relieving pelvic pain and improving associated sexual and urinary dysfunctions. A combination of education regarding your pathology, muscle relaxation exercises and manual techniques such as trigger point release and deep tissue massage can be very helpful.
Since tension of the pelvic floor musculature is a common pain generator, perineal and pelvic rehabilitation to release pelvic floor muscle tension is effective in relieving pelvic pain and improving associated sexual and urinary dysfunctions. A combination of education regarding your pathology, muscle relaxation exercises and manual techniques such as trigger point release and deep tissue massage can be very helpful.
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