Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a condition involving ongoing pain in the pelvic region. Pain experienced can vary from person to person, ranging in severity (mild or severe), type (dull or sharp), and longevity (constant or intermittent). CPPS-related pain can spread to the buttocks, lower back, and thighs.
Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
Causes for CPPS can vary, ranging from pelvic nerve irritation to more severe conditions like fibromyalgia. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors are beginning to recognize that muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor can be related to CPPS. Other causes for CPPS include:
- Constipation
- Enlarged Spleen
- Inflammation of the Intestines
- Kidney Stones
- Painful Bladder Syndrome
Symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
There are many symptoms related to CPPS, including:
- Abdominal Pain
- Frequent Urination
- Genital Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Pain During or After Sex
- Pain while Sitting
Risk Factors of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
- Diagnosis of Abacterial Prostatitis
- Hip Impingement
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Hypertonia
- Joint Hyper Mobility
- Labral Tear
- STD/UTI/Yeast Infection History
- Hernia
- Post Partum
- Diastasis Recti
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Over Active Bladder
- Prolapse
- Diagnosis of Abacterial Prostatitis
- Hip Impingement
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Hypertonia
- Joint Hyper Mobility
- Labral Tear
- STD/UTI/Yeast Infection History
- Hernia
- Post Partum
- Diastasis Recti
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Over Active Bladder
- Prolapse
Pelvic Pain in Women
In women, ovarian conditions can also be a cause for CPPS, including:
- Menstrual cramps or ovulation pain
- Pregnancy / Postpartum Pelvic Pain
- Cysts or cancer
Pelvic Pain in Men
In men, pelvic pain can often be overlooked due to its relation to our conditions or problems stemming from:
It’s important to know that CPPS isn’t always helped with traditional treatments. In some cases, surgeries have even worsened symptoms. This is because CPPS is often brought on by a combination of nervous system activity and feelings of anxiety and worry.
Can Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Be Cured?
The simple answer is yes, but the prognosis depends on the underlying etiology. With a multimodal treatment approach, patients can do very well.
We offer a combination of holistic treatments, protocols, and physical therapies to help with CPPS symptoms. Starting with your first visit, we’ll listen to your concerns and conduct an examination to ensure an accurate diagnosis of CPPS or any other condition. After fully understanding your conditions we may recommend a serious of ultrasound guided trigger point injections to help provide relief from chronic pelvic pain.
Relevant Publications/Citations
Shrikhande A, Ahmed T, Shrikhande G, Hill C. A Novel, Non-Opiod Based Treatment Approach to Men with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) Using Ultrasound Guided Nerve Hydrodissection and Pelvic Floor Musculature Trigger Point Injections. The International Continence Society. 2018 Aug. Link to Article.
Allyson Augusta Shrikhande, MD. Interviewee on Pelvic Health Summit - CPPS. Pelvic Health Summit. 2018 May. Link to Interview.
Allyson Shrikhande, MD sits as the chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. Link to Medical Committee.