Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a condition characterized by chronic pain in the lower pelvic region, including the genitals, perineum, and rectum, in the absence of an identifiable cause. CPPS is a common condition affecting men of all ages, and it can have a significant impact on quality of life, including sexual health. While there is no straight forward cure for CPPS, surgical interventions may be considered in some cases. Non-surgical treatment options such as shockwave therapy can also be used in some cases to cure CPPS (Non-Bacterial). In this article, we will discuss surgical and non-surgical treatment options for CPPS and their impact on male sexual health.
Overview of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Complex in nature, chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be challenging to diagnose and manage. The exact cause of CPPS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial, with a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors contributing to its development. CPPS is divided into two main subtypes: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. The inflammatory subtype, also known as chronic bacterial prostatitis, is caused by a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. The non-inflammatory subtype, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is not caused by infection and is thought to be related to muscle tension, nerve damage, and psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptoms in males can vary but typically include chronic pain in the lower pelvic region, including the genitals, perineum, and rectum. Other symptoms may include urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and pain with urination, as well as sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and painful ejaculation. CPPS can have a significant impact on quality of life, including sexual health, and can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. Surgical interventions may also be considered in some cases.
Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Surgical interventions for CPPS are typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed and symptoms are severe and disabling. Surgical options for CPPS include:
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
TURP is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the prostate gland is removed through the urethra. This procedure is typically used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms. However, TURP may also be used in cases of CPPS to relieve pressure on the prostate gland and reduce inflammation.
While TURP can be effective in relieving urinary symptoms associated with CPPS, it is not clear whether it is effective in relieving pelvic pain or improving sexual function. Some studies have suggested that TURP may improve sexual function in men with CPPS, while others have found no significant improvement.
Prostatectomy
The whole prostate gland is surgically removed during a prostatectomy. This procedure may be used in cases of chronic pelvic pain syndrome when conservative treatments have failed and symptoms are severe and disabling. Prostatectomy may also be used in cases of CPPS associated with prostate cancer.
While prostatectomy can be helpful in reducing CPPS-related urine symptoms, its effectiveness in reducing pelvic discomfort is unclear. Prostatectomy can cause a range of sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and retrograde ejaculation.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation involves the use of electrical or magnetic stimulation to modify the activity of nerves in the pelvic region. This procedure may be used in cases of CPPS associated with nerve damage or dysfunction.
While neuromodulation can be effective in relieving pelvic pain associated with CPPS, it is not clear whether it is effective in improving sexual function. Some studies have suggested that neuromodulation may improve sexual function in men with CPPS, while others have found no significant improvement.
Trigger point release
Trigger point release involves the injection of a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid into trigger points in the pelvic muscles. Trigger points are areas of muscle tension and spasm that can contribute to pelvic pain.
Although trigger point release has been shown to be successful in treating CPPS-related pelvic discomfort, its effectiveness in enhancing sexual performance is unclear. Some studies have suggested that trigger point release may improve sexual function in men with CPPS, while others have found no significant improvement.
Impact of Surgery on Male Sexual Health
Surgical interventions for CPPS can have a significant impact on male sexual health. While some surgeries, such as TURP and prostatectomy, can cause sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, other surgeries, such as neuromodulation and trigger point release, has the potential to improve sexual performance.
TURP and Prostatectomy
TURP and prostatectomy are both associated with sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and retrograde ejaculation. The inability to achieve or keep an erection that is strong enough for sexual engagement is known as erectile dysfunction. Decreased libido is a decrease in sexual desire or interest. Retrograde ejaculation is the ejaculation of semen into the bladder rather than out of the penis.
The exact incidence of sexual side effects following TURP and prostatectomy varies depending on the individual patient and the specific surgical technique used. However, studies have shown that up to 50% of men experience erectile dysfunction following prostatectomy, and up to 80% of men experience retrograde ejaculation.
While the sexual side effects of TURP and prostatectomy can be significant, they are not always permanent. In some cases, erectile dysfunction and decreased libido may improve over time as the body adjusts to the changes caused by surgery. Retrograde ejaculation, however, is typically permanent and can have implications for fertility.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation may have a positive impact on sexual function in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The exact mechanism by which neuromodulation improves sexual function is not fully understood, but it may be related to the modulation of nerve activity in the pelvic region.
Studies have shown that neuromodulation can improve sexual function in men with CPPS. In a study of 17 men with CPPS who underwent neuromodulation, 12 reported an improvement in sexual function, including increased libido and improved erectile function.
Trigger Point Release
Trigger point release may also have a positive impact on sexual function in men with CPPS. The injection of local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid into trigger points in the pelvic muscles can relieve muscle tension and spasm, which can contribute to pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction.
Studies have shown that trigger point release can improve sexual function in men with CPPS. In a study of 34 men with CPPS who underwent trigger point release, 28 reported an improvement in sexual function, including increased libido, improved erectile function, and decreased pain during ejaculation.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Non-bacterial CPPS
Non-invasive options are also available for the treatment of non-bacterial CPPS. The following section includes a few of these treatments:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may involve exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, as well as manual therapy to relieve trigger points and muscle tension. Medications that may be used to treat CPPS include alpha blockers, which can relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, and anti-inflammatory medications, which can reduce inflammation and pain in the pelvic region.
Shockwave Therapy
With many patients experiencing considerable alleviation from their symptoms, shockwave therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for non-bacterial chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Shockwave therapy for non-bacterial CPPS reduces pain and inflammation by promoting blood flow and healing in the area that is affected. Shockwave therapy has also been shown to improve muscular function and reduce muscle tension, which can both aid treating the symptoms of non-bacterial CPPS.
EMTT Therapy
Non-invasive extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy, which was developed primarily to treat musculoskeletal pain and other illnesses, has been shown to significantly improve men’s sexual health problems, including non-bacterial CPPS. EMTT works best when used in conjunction with other modern technologies such as shockwave therapy and Tesla Chair.
Tesla Chair
Functional magnetic stimulation is used in the Tesla Chair, a revolutionary new medical device. Through the Tesla Chair’s Functional Magnetic Stimulation, electromagnetic energy is transmitted. The body’s motor nervous system is activated by this electromagnetic energy, which stimulates the targeted deep muscle structures. As a consequence, the muscles contract and become bigger, stronger, and tighter. Recent studies have shown that when used correctly Tesla Chair can be an effective treatment option for non-bacterial CPPS.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful for men with CPPS include stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, and changes to diet and exercise habits. Reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine intake may also be helpful, as these substances can irritate the bladder and exacerbate CPPS symptoms.
Conclusion
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on male sexual health. While surgical interventions may be considered in cases where conservative treatments have failed and symptoms are severe and disabling, it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of surgery on sexual function. TURP and prostatectomy are associated with sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, while neuromodulation and trigger point release may have a positive impact on sexual function. It is important for men with CPPS to discuss the potential impact of surgery on sexual health with their healthcare provider and to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of surgical interventions before making a decision.
In addition to surgical interventions, there are a variety of non-surgical treatments available for non-bacterial CPPS that can improve sexual function. These may include physical therapy, shockwave therapy, EMTT therapy, Tesla Chair and lifestyle changes. All things considered, it’s critical for men with CPPS to collaborate closely with their healthcare physician to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique symptoms and concerns.
It’s important to mention that not all clinics offer non-invasive treatments like shockwave therapy or EMTT or Tesla Chair in order to treat non-bacterial CPPS. Among the clinics that offer these treatments, Shockwave Clinics Ltd. is the best. Shockwave Clinics is a specialized men’s health clinic that has made a name for themselves in the medical field by providing the best shockwave therapy in the UK. The clinic also provides NanoVi treatment along with shockwave therapy, EMTT and Tesla Chair.