BY Dr. Christian Reutter, DO
Did you know that up to 10% of men suffer from persistent pelvic pain? PRM’s office-based ultrasound-guided approach to the pelvis is the first of its kind in the country. Our team focuses on diagnosing and treating chronic pelvic pain in women and men with a procedure that is safe, effective, and more comfortable than what has been offered by providers in the past. You may not realize it but there are many nerves and muscles in the male pelvic floor that can lead to pain and symptoms often mimic so much else.
What is chronic prostatitis?
Chronic prostatitis, also known as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), is characterized by chronic pelvic pain and voiding symptoms in the absence of a clear bacterial infection. It is a common condition affecting 2-6% of men.
Causes of chronic prostatitis
Often patients are seen by their urologist, where they will perform lab work and be treated for infection, but despite the treatment provided, the patient continues to have pelvic pain and bladder symptoms.
There are a number of causes of chronic prostatitis (CPPS), including nerve irritation, chemical irritation, stress, and often a weak or spastic pelvic floor. Certain activities can also cause or exacerbate CPPS, including prolonged sitting or biking.
What are the symptoms of chronic prostatitis?
Common symptoms of chronic prostatitis (CPPS) include:
- Pain in the testicles, penis, and/or perineum (area between the rectum and scrotum)
- Groin pain
- Low back pain
- Pain with ejaculation
- Painful erections
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Painful urination
- Difficulty initiating urinary stream
Talk To A Pelvic Pain Specialist
What is the Chronic prostatitis treatment Protocol?
We treat all patients at PRM through the PRM Protocol™, which is individualized to each patient’s clinical picture.
Treatment can include:
- NSAID medications
- Anti-spasmodic medications, including muscle relaxant suppositories
- Neuromodulator medications like Cymbalta, Lyrica, and the like for neuropathic pain
- Medications to address sexual symptoms if they are present, including a daily low dose of Cialis or similar
- Phytotherapy (plant-derived supplements) like Quercetin
- Injections to address the pelvic floor muscle hypertonia (spasm)
- Injections to address nerve inflammation
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Low impact exercise, such as walking, swimming, elliptical, or yoga
