After the age of 50, males frequently experience "down there" discomfort. Cramping, aching, or throbbing discomfort in and around your pelvis and genitals might be the cause. You could also experience problems in the bedroom and the bathroom. While the issues are real, determining what is causing them is frequently challenging.
Dr Michael O'Leary, a urologist and professor of surgery at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, calls it an "orphan disease" since it has no known aetiology or proven treatments making it difficult to diagnose and frustrating for men seeking help.
CPPS is characterized as pelvic pain that persists for at least three months out of every six months without infection.
CPPS has a significant influence on the quality of life, despite the fact that it is not life-threatening. CPPS is linked to erectile dysfunction and painful ejaculations, in addition to the often debilitating pain. Many males with the condition have frequent, urgent urination as well as a burning sensation while voiding. As a result, CPPS may cause anxiety and depression.
CPPS is often difficult to diagnose. Problems might appear and disappear at any time. For example, the soreness may go away for a few weeks or even months before reappearing. If the symptoms return, they may be more or less severe than previously, or they may be replaced by new ones. Furthermore, symptoms may resemble those of prostate infection or an enlarged prostate gland.
"For years, guys would go to their doctor's office and complain about their issues, and then they'd leave with an antibiotic prescription and that was it.
Getting relief
It might take time and patience for a man and his doctor to come to the conclusion that CPPS is the cause of his symptoms.
CPPS is diagnosed when symptoms are suggestive and no other cause can be found.
Your doctor will do a physical examination, which will include a rectal examination, and will likely prescribe urine and blood tests to check for symptoms of infection and kidney function. Additional testing, such as a CT scan, an MRI, or a cystoscopy, may be required (a procedure to look inside your bladder). Your doctor may also use the UPOINT system (see "On point with UPOINT"). If your exam reveals no other issues, CPPS is the most likely diagnosis.
On point with UPOINT
To identify persistent pelvic pain syndrome, some doctors utilize a method called UPOINT. his is used to rate a person's symptoms, as well as their intensity and location. UPOINT means:
Urinary symptoms
Psychosocial symptoms
Organ-specific symptoms for those affecting only the prostate
Infection-related symptoms
Neurologic symptoms
Tenderness in the muscles and pelvic floor.
Nonetheless, there is a multitude of useful options. Here are some common techniques for easing and managing symptoms. It's common for patients to attempt a few different therapies before finding one that works, and sometimes a combination of treatments is required.
Antibiotics.
Doctors may still give antibiotics if normal urine and blood tests reveal the presence of prostate infection.
Alpha-blockers
Alpha-blockers Tamsulosin (Flomax) and other alpha-blockers can help relax the muscles in and around the prostate and the bladder's base.
Anti-inflammatories.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), are available over-the-counter or by prescription. These drugs can help relieve pain.
Physiotherapy.
A lesser-known cause of CPPS is pelvic floor muscular spasm. A physical therapist can assist in reducing stress in the pelvic muscles and surrounding tissues. It is known as Myofascial release treatment. Kegel exercises, which enhance pelvic floor muscle function, may be done at home. Kegels are performed by tightening and relaxing the muscles that are used to stop urine flow or hold back gas.
Avoid foods and beverages that can exacerbate symptoms, such as coffee, chillies, alcoholic beverages, tea, pepper, and other spicy foods.
Exercise.
A 2015 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise showed that Men who conducted the low-intensity exercise, such as walking, for at least 10 hours per week had a 28 per cent decreased chance of developing CPPS compared to a control group,
Home remedies
Home remedies During flare-ups, taking hot baths or using heating pads to sensitive regions might help relieve discomfort.
Stress management.
Adopting stress-reduction techniques can aid in the management of CPPS's physical and mental symptoms. Examples, breathing exercises, Biofeedback, meditation, breathing exercises, and cognitive-behavioural therapy.
The good news is that most men with CPPS can control it and improve with time. Be open to discussing your symptoms with your doctor because CPPS is real. Speak to the Doctor in detail about your condition. The more details, share about your condition, the easier it will be to start a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific symptoms.
