Male Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Pain in People with Male Anatomy in Queens, 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 can impact anyone with male anatomy, regardless of age, and it’s an issue many in Queens are dealing with. Whether from bacterial infections, inflammation, nerve damage, or muscle dysfunction, pelvic pain can have a number of underlying causes. Factors like stress or overexertion during exercise can also contribute. Your treatment plan will depend on the specific cause of your symptoms, which may involve medication, surgery, or physical therapy. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, our team is here to help you understand how pelvic floor physical therapy can ease your discomfort and improve your life. Come visit us and see how we can help you heal.
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 disorder that can affect the prostate gland, resulting in painful urination and discomfort in the pelvic, groin, or genital areas. Though bacterial infections are responsible for some cases, not all prostatitis is caused by bacteria. When bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed, antibiotics typically alleviate the symptoms.
The prostate, roughly the size of a walnut, is located just below the bladder and encircles the upper part of the urethra. It plays an important role in producing semen, which transports sperm during ejaculation.
Types of Prostatitis:
Type #1 – Acute Bacterial Prostatitis:
Type #2 – Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis:
Type #3 – Chronic Abacterial (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome):
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:
Inflammation of the prostate that presents without noticeable symptoms is commonly seen in individuals with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This type of inflammation may not lead to any pain or discomfort but can still be a significant indicator of prostate health issues.
Chronic Testicular Pain, also referred to as orchialgia or chronic scrotal pain, is a condition that results in persistent discomfort in the scrotum. The pain can either occur suddenly and with intensity or gradually develop over time, often lasting for more than three months. Diagnosing this condition can be complex, and its impact on daily life can be profound.
Penile Pain may occur anywhere along the penis, whether it’s the base, shaft, or glans, and it can have a significant effect on urination, sexual function, general activity, and even simple tasks like wearing clothing. The pain may be ongoing or sporadic and is caused by a variety of underlying factors.
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 in the pelvic floor happens when the muscles tighten excessively and fail to relax as needed. This dysfunction can lead to a variety of distressing symptoms, including pelvic pain, difficulty with erections, urinary issues such as incontinence or difficulty urinating, digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea, and trigger points that can cause pain in other areas. In some cases, nerve impingement can occur, leading to additional complications.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, occurs when the prostate gland, which plays a role in semen production, increases in size with age. It is a common condition, affecting 80% of individuals with a prostate. The prostate can grow inward, constricting the urethra, and leading to symptoms like a weak or interrupted urinary stream, difficulty initiating urination, and a stop-and-go flow. One-third of those with BPH experience symptoms related to the lower urinary tract.
Common Symptoms include:
- Constriction of the urethra, which forces the bladder to work harder, resulting in thickened bladder walls.
- Thickened bladder walls cause decreased bladder capacity, leading to increased frequency and urgency of urination.
- Difficulty fully emptying the bladder due to urethral constriction, which can result in urinary retention.
- Retained urine and urinary retention can lead to infections, bladder stones, and even kidney issues.
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS) is a condition characterized by persistent pain in one or both testicles, lasting for more than three months after a vasectomy. The pain can vary from mild to severe, and in some cases, it may disrupt daily life. Around 15% of individuals who have undergone a vasectomy experience PVPS.
Causes:
- Inflammation
- Pressure on vas deferens – sperm is still being produced, eventually acclimates
- Vascular stasis
- Nerve impingement, fibrosis around nerve
Pudendal Neuralgia, or pudendal nerve entrapment, occurs when the pudendal nerve is injured or compressed, resulting in chronic pelvic pain. This condition can cause symptoms such as sharp, burning, or shooting pain that radiates to the rectum, perineum, or penis, leading to significant discomfort and distress. Effective treatment is essential to manage this condition and alleviate its painful effects.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC), sometimes called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that leads to persistent bladder pressure and pain. The condition can also cause pelvic pain, which can vary in intensity. The discomfort may range from mild to severe, often affecting an individual’s daily life and activities. IC can be a challenging condition to manage, but various treatments may offer relief.
Types of IC:
- Ulcerative (lesions, not actual ulcers)
- Non-ulcerative: bladder hemorrhages suggesting irritation or inflammation
Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) is a chronic condition marked by persistent and often painful symptoms. These include a semi-rigid penis while flaccid, a soft glans when erect, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, pain during erections, low libido, discomfort during ejaculation, numbing or cooling sensations in the penis, urinary issues, and psychological distress. The impact of HFS on both physical and mental health can be profound, affecting daily life and relationships.
Hernias typically develop when there is a weakness in the muscle wall of the stomach or pelvic area, which causes an organ or tissue to push through the weakened area. This leads to pain and noticeable bulging. There are various types of hernias, such as inguinal, hiatal, and umbilical hernias. Inguinal hernias are the most common type, occurring when tissue or an organ pushes through a weak spot in the groin area. Hiatal hernias happen when the upper portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, while umbilical hernias occur when tissue or an organ bulges through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Benefits of Working with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in Queens, NY
- Relieve pain and discomfort from chronic tension
- Loosen tight muscles to restore comfort
- Improve mobility and physical function through hands-on therapy and tailored exercises
- Restore balance in your pelvic floor muscles for better strength and flexibility
- Promote healing by improving blood circulation
- Restore full-body function for improved overall performance
What To Expect
During Your Initial Appointment
During Your Additional Appointments
Most patients find relief and see improvements in their symptoms within just 8 weeks or less. If you’re located in Queens, NY, we invite you to visit our clinic for expert care and support.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help with Pelvic Pain in Queens, NY
Reduce your pelvic pain today.
Client Testimonials
Beyond Basics: We Can Help
Since our founding in 2003, Beyond Basics has been at the forefront of pelvic floor rehabilitation. Led by Amy Stein, a renowned expert, and co-founder Corey Hazama, our clinic has earned a reputation as a trusted provider of healing services. Our approach is grounded in skilled, compassionate care that restores balance to the body.
Our physical therapists receive extensive training beyond their doctorate degrees, with specialized education from institutions such as Herman and Wallace and the American Physical Therapy Association. At Beyond Basics, we carefully select each therapist for their clinical expertise, kindness, and dedication to patient care. Our goal is to provide the highest standard of treatment while making sure that you feel heard, understood, and supported.
You can choose between our Midtown and Downtown clinics for the convenience that best suits your needs. Let us help you find relief from pelvic floor dysfunction and regain your quality of life.
