Abdominal Cramping - Pelvic Pain in Males

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Pelvic pain refers to any pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

What is going on in the body?

Pelvic pain in males is often related to the intestines or urinary tract. Psychological factors can make the pain seem worse, or even cause a sensation of pain where no physical problem exists.

Pelvic pain can range from mild discomfort or cramping, to severe, intense pain. This pain may be acute, when it occurs suddenly, or chronic, when the pain lasts for a long period of time.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Pelvic pain in males has many causes, including:

pelvic adhesions, which are fibrous bands that hold together parts that are usually separate

sexually transmitted diseases, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea or Chlamydia trachomatis. Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. In men, the infection normally involves the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. ',CAPTION,'Chlamydia Infection in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();">chlamydia

peritonititis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, usually caused by an infection

urinary tract infection

prostate infection, such as acute prostatitis

infection of the urethra

hernia, a bulging of internal organs or tissues through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall

testicular torsion, or twisting of the testicles

epididymitis, or inflammation of the tubes that drain the testicles

colon cancer

diverticulosis, in which small sacs form in the walls of the intestines

irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract

gastroenteritis, an infection in the digestive tract

kidney stone

abscess, or pus pocket

appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix

muscular skeletal disorders, such as a shifting of the pelvic bones

psychological factors like stress

Other causes are also possible. In some cases, the cause is never found.

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

When a male complains of pelvic pain, the healthcare provider may ask:

when did the pain start

how long the pain has existed, or when it stopped

when and how often does the pain occur

what type of pain is it -- dull, sharp, steady, or crampy

where is the pain located

does anything lessen the pain or make it worse

are there any other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel movements, or trouble urinating

is the man sexually active, and does he use protection such as condoms

what medications, drugs, or herbs the man takes, if any

is there a history of any other medical problems or surgeries

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of pelvic pain begins with a history and physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

a urinalysis and urine culture to rule out an infection or kidney stone

a complete blood count, or CBC, to help diagnose an infection

x-ray imaging, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention of pelvic pain may or may not be possible, depending on the cause. For example, practicing safer sex may decrease the risk of epididymitis. Early treatment for infection of the genital tract is important in decreasing the risk of pelvic pain.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects are related to the cause of the pelvic pain. For example, irritable bowel syndrome may make a person uncomfortable and even depressed, but poses no serious long-term health risks. A small kidney stone may pass by itself and have no long-term effects. A large kidney stone may require surgery to remove it.

Appendicitis and cancer may lead to death if treatment is unsuccessful. If untreated, testicular torsion can lead to the loss of the testicle and increase the risk of infertility.

What are the risks to others?

Pelvic pain itself is not contagious and poses no risk to others. If the cause is an infection, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea, the infection may be contagious.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause of the pain. Treatment may include:

antibiotics

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen

pain medication

surgery

relaxation exercises

physical therapy

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of treatments depend on the treatment used for the pelvic pain. There may be stomach upset, diarrhea, or allergic reaction to antibiotics. There may be stomach upset, ulcers and bleeding, or allergic reaction to NSAIDs. Treatments that require surgery pose a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

What happens after treatment depends on the success of the treatment and the cause. For example, a person who passes a kidney stone or has it removed may not need any further treatment. Someone with cancer may need long-term treatment for the cancer and may die if treatment is unsuccessful.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. Other monitoring depends on the cause of the pelvic pain.