CP/CPPS is a condition that affects up to 16% of the male population globally across all ages and races. It is found in men of any age and symptoms can vary from voiding symptoms, pain located in the groin, genitalia, perineum, testes, penis or bladder. Rectal pain, reduced libido, stress, anxiety and pain during or after sex are the main symptoms.
Greater emphasis is being placed on the pelvic floor musculature and its associated structures as a primary cause of male pelvic pain, even though it is still commonly treated as a bacterial infection with prolonged use of antibiotics over many, many months.
Abnormal pelvic floor muscle tone, shortening of the levator ani and external hip rotators, the pelvic girdle alignment as well as neuropathic pain have been identified as possible culprits in the pathophysiology of CP/CPPS. Therefore, neuromuscular re- education is an important part of recovery, fostering relaxation of the hypertonic levator ani group.
Chronic pelvic pain is a complex medical condition requiring a multidisciplinary medical and holistic mind-body approach.