Pelvic pain is often thought of as a women’s health issue, but many men also live with chronic pelvic pain. For some, the pain is constant; for others, it comes and goes affecting daily life, sport, work, and intimacy. Unfortunately, men are often left without clear answers or are told “it’s all in their head.”

The reality? Chronic pelvic pain in men is real, complex, and treatable with the right approach.

What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men?

Chronic pelvic pain in men is pain in the pelvic region that lasts longer than 3 months, not explained by infection or another obvious cause. It is sometimes called:

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
“Non-bacterial prostatitis”

It often involves the bladder, bowel, pelvic floor muscles, or nerves.

Common Symptoms

Pain in the perineum, penis, testicles, or lower abdomen
Pain that worsens when sitting, cycling, or after long activity
Burning or stinging with urination
Urinary urgency or frequency without infection
Pain with or after ejaculation
Erectile or sexual difficulties linked to discomfort
Lower back, hip, or groin tension

👉 Symptoms can vary, sometimes mild, sometimes life-altering.

What Causes Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Research shows it’s usually multifactorial:

Pelvic floor overactivity: muscles tighten as a protective response, leading to spasm and pain.
Nerve sensitivity: nerves like the pudendal nerve may become irritated.
Past infections or inflammation: even after the infection clears, the pain system stays “switched on.”
Stress & nervous system changes: chronic pain can make the nervous system more reactive (central sensitisation).
Lifestyle factors: prolonged sitting, cycling, or poor posture may aggravate symptoms.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Evidence supports pelvic health physiotherapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach:

Pelvic floor relaxation training (sometimes the problem is not weakness, but excessive tension).
Manual therapy & scar care to release muscle or tissue restrictions.
Breathing & nervous system regulation to reduce tension and pain sensitivity.
Bladder & bowel retraining to ease urinary and digestive symptoms.
Pain neuroscience education: understanding pain mechanisms helps reduce fear and improve control.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Managing chronic pelvic pain often requires a team effort:

Urologists for medical tests and treatment
Physiotherapists for pelvic floor and musculoskeletal support
Pain specialists if medication or injections are needed
Psychologists or sex therapists to address the emotional and relational impact

Chronic pelvic pain in men is common but often misunderstood. It’s not “just prostatitis” and it’s not “in your head.” With the right support, especially pelvic floor physiotherapy, combined with medical and emotional care, symptoms can improve and quality of life can be restored.

✨ Living with pelvic pain? Book a consultation with our men’s pelvic health physiotherapists at Renard Clinic for compassionate, evidence-based support.