Male Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Pain in People with Male Anatomy in Brooklyn, NY
Disclaimer: Please note that throughout this page we will be using the terms “people with male anatomy” when discussing clinical presentation and anatomy. We have chosen these terms as they feel to be best practice at this time, but we acknowledge that gender and biological sex are a spectrum and language does not fully encapsulate that. We will continue to review and update this language as the discourse around this terminology continues to evolve.
Pelvic pain is a condition that can affect people of all ages with male anatomy, and it’s something that many in Brooklyn face. Whether caused by bacterial infections, inflammation, nerve injury, organ dysfunction, or musculoskeletal issues, the source of your pain can vary greatly. Even factors like anxiety or too much strain during physical activity could contribute. Depending on what’s causing your pelvic pain, treatment options might include medications, surgery, or physical therapy. If you’re dealing with these discomforts, our team is here to show you how pelvic floor physical therapy can help ease your pain and improve your quality of life. Stop by and discover how we can help restore your well-being.
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Pain in People with Male Anatomy
- Pain with sitting
- Pain at scrotum or testicles
- Abdominal sensitivity or pain
- Sensitivity at tip of penis
- Penile changes – such as “shrink” or doesn’t enlarge like it used to
- Pain in rectum
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain during/after urination/defecation/orgasm
Associated complaints that may exist:
- Urinary urgency
- Urinary frequency
- Burning with urination
- Incomplete bladder voiding
- Constipation
- Incomplete bowel voiding
- Orofacial pain
- Incomplete ejaculation
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Experiencing pelvic pain? Our team can help.
Common Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain in People with Male Anatomy
Prostatitis is an inflammation-related condition that affects the prostate gland, often causing painful or difficult urination, along with discomfort in the pelvic area, groin, or genitals. While bacterial infections are responsible for some cases of prostatitis, not all cases are caused by bacteria. If bacterial prostatitis is present, symptoms typically resolve with the use of antibiotics.
The prostate gland, about the size of a walnut, is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate, along with other sex glands, produces semen, which is responsible for transporting sperm during ejaculation.
Types of Prostatitis:
Type #1 – Acute Bacterial Prostatitis:
Type #2 – Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis:
Recurrent pelvic pain, typically without fever or signs of bacterial infection, is often linked to bacteria in the urine or prostate fluid. To address this condition, long-term antibiotics are usually required to manage symptoms and help resolve the underlying issue.
Type #3 – Chronic Abacterial (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome):
Chronic pelvic pain, often occurring without any infection or bacterial presence in the urine or prostate secretions, makes up 90-95% of all prostatitis cases. This condition can be particularly hard to treat due to the absence of typical infection-related markers.
Common symptoms and interventions
- General Pelvic Pain – pain with sitting at scrotum or testicles, abdominal sensitivity or pain, sensitivity at tip of penis, pain in rectum
- Manual therapy, exercises, stretches, desensitization, behavioral modifications, postural correction
- Urinary dysfunction – painful voiding, incomplete voiding, increased urinary frequency
- Dietary modifications, bladder retraining, medication (alpha blockers, anticholinergics)
- Palpable tenderness/spasms/TrP in abdomen and pelvis
- Physical therapy, muscle relaxants (valium suppositories), exercise
- Psychosocial considerations – depression, stress, anxiety
- Talk therapy/counseling, antidepressants, mindfulness and meditation, breathing
Type #4 – Asymptomatic Inflammatory:
Prostate Inflammation without noticeable symptoms is often observed in individuals with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged but is not cancerous. This inflammation can be asymptomatic or cause minor issues, but it is typically not associated with discomfort or pain.
Chronic Testicular Pain, also known as orchialgia or chronic scrotal pain, is a condition marked by persistent scrotal pain that can be challenging to diagnose. This pain may appear suddenly and severely or develop gradually, lasting more than three months. In some cases, it can become a continuous source of discomfort.
Penile Pain can arise in any part of the penis, including the base, shaft, or glans, and it can disrupt urination, sexual activity, general physical activity, and even the wearing of clothing. The pain can be constant or intermittent and can be triggered by a range of causes, making it important to identify the underlying issue.
Causes:
- Intracavernous injection of drugs for erectile dysfunction
- Paraphimosis (constriction of the glans penis by foreskin)
- Priapism (persistent and painful erections unrelated to sexual arousal)
- Penile prosthesis surgery
- Penile changes – such as “shrink” or doesn’t enlarge like it used to
- Peyronie’s disease (development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis),
- Circumcision
- Herpes genitalis
- Ilioinguinal nerve entrapment (supplies base of penis)
Muscle Overactivity occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become overly tight and are unable to relax properly. This can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as pelvic pain, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, urinary issues (including incontinence or difficulty urinating), digestive issues (such as constipation or diarrhea), and the development of trigger points that cause pain in other areas of the body. Nerve impingement may also occur, leading to further complications.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in which the prostate gland, located beneath the bladder, becomes larger as people age. Approximately 80% of those with a prostate will develop BPH. As the prostate enlarges, it can constrict the urethra, leading to symptoms like a weak urinary stream, difficulty starting urination, or a stop-and-go stream. Around one-third of individuals with BPH experience lower urinary tract symptoms.
Symptoms of BPH include:
- Constriction of the urethra, forcing the bladder to work harder to eliminate urine, causing the bladder walls to thicken.
- The thickening of bladder walls reduces its capacity to store urine, resulting in increased urinary frequency and urgency.
- The bladder may not fully empty due to urethral constriction, leading to urinary retention.
- Prolonged retention and residual urine can cause infections, bladder stones, and even kidney injury.
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS) is a condition that causes chronic pain in one or both testicles after a vasectomy, lasting more than three months. The pain can vary from a mild ache to severe, persistent discomfort that can interfere with daily activities. It is estimated that 15% of individuals who undergo a vasectomy experience this condition.
Causes:
- Inflammation
- Pressure on vas deferens – sperm is still being produced, eventually acclimates
- Vascular stasis
- Nerve impingement, fibrosis around nerve
Pudendal Neuralgia, also known as pudendal nerve entrapment, is a chronic condition that causes pelvic pain due to injury or compression of the pudendal nerve. When this nerve becomes damaged or trapped, it can result in sharp, burning, or shooting pain, which may radiate to the rectum, perineum, or penis. The pain associated with pudendal neuralgia can be debilitating and often requires specialized treatment for relief.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also referred to as painful bladder syndrome, is a long-term condition that causes pressure and pain in the bladder. In addition to bladder pain, it can lead to pelvic discomfort. The intensity of the pain can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to more severe and chronic pain, impacting a person’s quality of life.
Types of IC:
- Ulcerative (lesions, not actual ulcers)
- Non-ulcerative: bladder hemorrhages suggesting irritation or inflammation
Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) is a painful and persistent condition that affects many individuals, causing a variety of symptoms. These can include a semi-rigid penis when flaccid, a soft glans during an erection, ongoing pelvic discomfort, low libido, erectile dysfunction, painful erections, discomfort during ejaculation, numbing or cooling sensations in the penis, urinary tract issues, and psychological distress. HFS can have a significant impact on both physical and mental well-being, requiring comprehensive care and attention to manage.
Hernias are medical conditions that occur when a weak spot in a muscle, usually in the stomach or pelvic region, causes tissue or an organ to protrude. This protrusion often leads to pain and visible bulging. There are different types of hernias, including inguinal, hiatal, and umbilical hernias. Inguinal hernias are the most commonly diagnosed, occurring when tissue or an organ pushes through a weak spot in the groin. Hiatal hernias occur when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, and umbilical hernias occur when tissue or an organ protrudes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Benefits of Working with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in Brooklyn, NY
- Alleviate physical discomfort and chronic pain
- Release tension in tight muscles
- Enhance overall mobility and function with hands-on techniques and personalized exercises
- Rebalance the length-tension relationship in your pelvic floor muscles
- Boost circulation to encourage healing
- Achieve optimal body performance and well-being
What To Expect
During Your Initial Appointment
During Your Additional Appointments
Most individuals begin to notice noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 8 weeks, if not sooner, with the right care. If you’re in Brooklyn, NY, we invite you to visit our clinic and start your journey toward relief.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help with Pelvic Pain in Brooklyn, NY
If you’re in Brooklyn, NY, dealing with pelvic floor issues, Beyond Basics Physical Therapy is here to help. Pelvic floor physical therapy can address the underlying causes of your symptoms and provide long-term relief. Our skilled physical therapists are highly trained to treat not only the pelvic floor muscles but also other areas that contribute to pelvic dysfunction, such as the abdominal muscles, spine, and hips. We take pride in offering a compassionate approach that ensures your comfort, safety, and confidence throughout your treatment journey. Reach out to us today to see how we can assist you on your path to healing.
Reduce your pelvic pain today.
Client Testimonials
Beyond Basics: We Can Help
Since 2003, Beyond Basics has been a place of healing for those suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. With the guidance of founder Amy Stein and co-founder Corey Hazama, both internationally recognized experts in pelvic floor physical therapy, our practice has become a trusted name in pelvic health.
Our physical therapists are extensively trained, with hundreds of additional hours spent refining their skills at leading institutes like Herman and Wallace and the American Physical Therapy Association. Beyond their academic qualifications, each therapist brings a deep sense of empathy and kindness, ensuring that you will feel comfortable and supported throughout your healing journey.
You have the option to choose between our Midtown or Downtown clinics, where we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care. Whether your symptoms are new or long-standing, we are here to help you regain balance and restore your well-being.
