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Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes

 

Also see Gynae guidelines - Chronic Pelvic Pain 

These may be bladder/urethral/prostatic (“prostatitis”)/scrotal/testicular/post vasectomy/penile/Vaginal/vulval/urethral/anorectal. Usually no sinister underlying cause or pathology.

 

Definition/description:

Non malignant pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis of either men or women. There are often associated negative cognitive, behavioural, sexual or emotional consequences.

Pain is usually associated with symptoms suggesting lower urinary tract, sexual, bowel or gynaecological dysfunction in the absence of proven infection or other obvious pathology


Diagnosis is based on the history and exclusion of other conditions


Management prior to referral:

 Rule out pathology with simple investigations. Do not assume you will find pathology.

 

 Assessment:

  • History and examination to assess nature/duration of pain, associated urinary/ gynae symptoms/ psychological issues/ sexual history and sexual dysfunction symptoms / irritable bowel symptoms (present in up to 30% men with chronic pelvic pain)
  • May be associated with IUCDs, consider trial of removal
  • Urine dipstick/MSU
  • Urine cytology
  • STI screen (first pass urine men for chlamydia/gonorrhoea +/- swab for trichomoniasis; Chlamydia/HVS women)
  • USS
  • Cystoscopy if haematuria ( hyperlink)
  • Frequency volume chart/Flow rates if associated lower urinary tract symptoms
     

Conservative measures:

  • Education: condition chronic and about controlling symptoms rather than cure, however most chronic prostatitis/male pelvic pain syndrome will improve within 6 months
  • Diet: avoid spicy/acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate
  • Psychological/behavioural treatment

 

Medical treatment:

  • Antibiotics: if suspect underlying infection. Always send MSU/STI screen prior to treatment. If improved after 2 weeks continue for 6 weeks. If no improvement discontinue.

Repeated use of Antibiotics in absence of proven infection should be avoided

  • Analgesics: particularly NSAIDS
  • Alpha blockers: not licensed but can be helpful in up to 60% of both men and women. Trial for at least 6 weeks if LUTS
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in men. Take for at least 3 months.
  • Anticholinergics if frequency/urgency
  • Neuropathic pain modulators eg. amitriptyline, gabapentin etc
  • Stool softener if defaecation painful

 

Indications for referral:

Diagnosis of pathology: refer to appropriate specialty

Unsuccessful pain management: refer pain team

 

Patient information

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostatitis/

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/further-help/prostatitis

 

 

References

CKS Chronic prostatitis, September 2019:

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/prostatitis-chronic/management/managing-chronic-prostatitis/

EUA Guidelines on Chronic Pelvic Pain 2021

British Association of Urological Surgeons, September 2015: https://www.baus.org.uk/professionals/baus_business/publications/85/chronic_pelvic_pain_guidelines/

 

 

 

Contributors

Mr Christopher Blake, Consultant Urologist, RCHT

Dr Bridgitte Wesson, GP & Kernow RMS GP Guideline lead Urology

 

Reviewed: March 2022

Next review due : March 2023