Pelvic Pain Matters - The go to resource for male pelvic pain conditions - Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome & Chronic Prostatitis
Helping men beat pelvic pain for good & supporting healthcare professionals working with or interested in working with male pelvic pain
About us If you’re living with the misery of CPPS / prostatitis, you’ve come to the right place
Our world-leading experts post proven self-help tips and takeaways, Q&As, ‘survivor’ interviews, practical guides and more.
Subscribe now to learn how you too can end the misery of CPPS
Pelvic Pain Matters was set up by Karl Monahan - the owner of The Pelvic Pain Clinic, educator and former sufferer, David Lowe - a former pelvic pain sufferer, Tim Beames - a specialist pain physio and international educator and Jo Taylor - business development and communication manager
Hello! There is a lot of conflicting information about how to treat CPPS. As a patient, I feel lost and have trouble knowing what to trust. I have been doing pelvic physical therapy for 18 months. The improvement is temporary and the trigger points always return. I have doubts whether the investment in PT is worth it. Do you suggest to your patients not to do myofascial release?
Thanks for your message. There is a lot of confusing information to navigate as a patient out there, I completely agree. For me, if there is no sustainable benefit from getting TP or MFR therapy it would be best to consider other approaches, looking beyond the PF as the only answer. MFR an be helpful in some cases, but if the patient doesn't see constant improvements there are other factors at play here. Keep on listening to the podcasts for more information : )
Every treatment is unique to the individual. I don't use an off the shelf approach. Everything I do is tailored to the patients needs at every step. Changing and adapting as the patient recovers and improves.
You're very welcome, thanks so much for the support. Please do share the content on any other social platforms you use. If you found them beneficial then other men may do also
Thanks for your comments. My name is Karl, I am one of the presenters. This condition is awful, I know this only too well myself having lost a testicle due to a rampant infection. We are not making jokes about the condition, nor are we trying to undermine the seriousness of the condition. But we are trying to educate and raise awareness of the condition. We aim for balance in our presentations, keeping the mood light and digestible for all audiences. Our aim was not to offend.
Happened to me mate, I took two pills of cipro and felt as if I had been drinking non stop for weeks, couldn’t even concentrate, I threw them away and got mad at my doctor… mind you all my tests were clear and no warning was given at the time of prescription, I do hate such doctors who want to destroy us, probably one can’t even sue them…
I am so grateful for your videos Karl, thank you as always. I love the pin idea! You haven’t met me before, but in my darkest times you have helped me more than you will know. Just wanted to share my gratitude
Thank you for providing this information very useful.. Absolutely hit the nail on the head in regards to general care doctors, urologist.. I am dealing with one now that has diagnosed me with BPH yet has not done any imaging testing nor rectal exam. first console lasted 5 minutes told me to take Cipro for 28 days after I got done telling him that I had severe anxiety. To come back in six weeks. Come back for the second console talk to him for another 5 minutes. Then proceeds to prescribe me Cialis. After I told him that my urine flow was actually okay. Then ordered a flow test 2 weeks after he prescribed me the Cialis. By the second console is when he said I believe you have BPH. However he did order blood work to check my PSA levels. My PSA levels were normal. 0.6 However my testosterone was a little low. Now he wants me to go on testosterone which in my investigation could aggravate the Bph symptoms if that's truly what's going on.. How he's come to these conclusions I am completely Godsmack.. I was diagnosed with non-bacterial prostatitis about 10 years ago.. I made sure to let him know this information as well.. I know from dealing with other urologists that this one does not seem very proactive.. so now I'm having to seek other opinions which makes it even more frustrating because prior to this coming out of nowhere I told him I was dealing with major anxiety and panic attacks.. I have reached out to you by email this is probably a month and a half ago you did respond promptly and I just wanted to thank you for your response .. ironically I am having lab results done by microgenics so I am awaiting the answers in regards to that.. I'm trying to be diligent as you stated I need to find out what's going on with me... Thanks again.. David D.
I am very sorry to hear this. Pelvic pain can be a challenge to say the least, I know this personally and professionally. The medical world of Dr's and Urologists do not currently have the skill set to treat and support patients with this condition which often leaves patients feeling isolated and poorly understood let alone listened to. Finding the right practitioner(s) is really key. Please do look beyond conventional Medicine for the answers
LOL, until recently I hadn't realized that Mario updated his favorite way to tackle ED and it's a relief! Although what he previously suggested was pretty good, it was a real pain to follow... I just go'ogled the latest by Mario Volpstein, it's so much simpler and potent now!
Hi Karl, thank you for helping with this. What is your opinion on using cold dips to treat chronic prostatitis? This seems to be an unexplored area, as I haven't found much information on it. My logic is that chronic prostatitis involves inflammation of the prostate, so cold exposure might be beneficial. What are your thoughts? Thanks
Thanks for your post. I think cold dips can help, I certainly suggest them to many of my patients. Every single case is unique and there may be, or may not be inflammation in the prostate, or indeed the surrounding tissue depending on the case and the influencing factors. I would encourage you to try for your individual circumstances and see the result. I would love to know if it helps. Start off with a few minutes per day. This might be a shallow bath, or a cold tub for full immersion.
Thank you ! I never really felt a huge relief after my physical therapy , and if I would use wand too hard it would definitely would make me feel worse for next 5-6 days . I actually stopped using wand as I felt not much benefit from it . Stretching does help but temporary , pain still come back in few hours. All of the things you are saying in this podcast very similar to me . This condition is so complicated…
Thanks for your support and comments. It is very easy to go too hard and hope for quicker results. This can often lead to an increase in sensitivity for a period. This can become exhausting because we are then flaring and waiting for symptoms to calm, flaring and waiting etc. Try being very mindful with the stretches and only stretching to comfort, not into pain. A small amount of discomfort is ok, but any more and it can wind the symptoms back up again. There are many factors to consider the looking to manage this condition. You are doing great if you are aware of triggers, or activities that do increase sensitivity. If we understand this we can reduce their impact
Perhaps I’m a lucky one but my chronic Pelvic Floor pain arrived due to stress at work then completely disappeared when the stress of my deceased wife’s cancer treatment and ultimate death occurred.
Love the message in this video. As a pelvic floor PT I can say from experience, the patients that were highly consistent always recovered the fastest and the most completely. Thanks Karl
In my case i don't understand whether Prostatitis caused me PFD or the other way round. Since i had pelvic dysfunction symptoms after struggling through urinary symptoms for couple of years due to enlarged prostate. And after sometime it continued to grow where i improved on chronic pain. Btw i am 31 years old. All docs whom i consulted are confused about the case.
Thanks for the outline of your case. This is a perfect example as to what we need to consider a bigger picture in patients and see beyond muscles as being the "cause of pelvic pain."
I completely agree. It causes all kinds of problems not having common language or diagnosis. In France many of my patients are diagnosed with "PNE", this seems to be their common default for these symptoms. I am unpacking some of the theories about what the condition is and encouraging listeners to explore other contributing factors.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (at least from my current experience of it for the last 6 months) can often come many parts of the body. One of the things I’ve seen a lot of positive results is in the form of strength training the surrounding muscles. If you have a weak core and glutes then the pelvic floor has to jump in as a backup to carry you. This doesn’t mean go to the gym and do heavy deadlifts. You have to start slow and building up so you have a starting foundation so you can gradually build up. Before I really went into strengthening I was doing stretches which actually made some of my muscles weaker and caused imbalances in my legs. This isn’t everyone’s case but it’s common enough that muscle imbalances cause the pelvic floor to do more than it needs too.
Love it, thanks so much for your response and engagement. It is so important to look at each case and consider possibilities and opportunities for recovery/change.
This has been my experience as well. I’ve also been dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction for about 6 months now too. Initially I started with just the stretching, yet in a sense it made things worse, especially in my inner thighs and glutes. I started going to the gym and ‘gently & slowly’ started to work the areas outside my core and on into my core. This has helped tremendously. It’s definitely a top down approach, but working out all the areas that interact and support the pelvic core helps a lot.
@@B737Matt Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience. using an integrated and holistic approach to treat the whole body, not just the PF yields the best results I have found.
ALL THESE PELVIC PAIN VIDEOS IVE SEEN JUST INFORMS THE SYMPTOMS THAT WE KNOW, ALSO THAT WE CANT CURE IT. WE KNOW IT ALREADY. THEY NEVER GIVE DETAILS FOR THE EXERCISES. ONLY ADVERTISE TO CONTACT THEM FOR TREATMENT. IF YOU WOULD GET BETTER, IT'S BECAUSE OF HIM. IF NOT THEN CPPS IS NOT CURABLE, YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT??
Thanks for your comments. You are spot on, there is NO CURE for this condition. A cure suggests one approach that works for every patient and that is not the case. I sincerely wish it was as you and I wouldn't have suffered with this condition. Understanding each case is central to being able to unlock it. There are common factors across the world that help each man - reducing the things that contribute to flare ups. Leading a balanced life with good nutritious food and plenty of rest. Moving, in a safe, gentle way that doesn't provoke sensitivity from over doing it. These are universal trends I have seen over the past 16 years of treating this condition.
Karl ive had this years last so many years ive been pretty symptom free just odd day or so of increase in symptoms. Its been 7 days now ive been very stressed and know this has done it. However how long does a flare up usually last for people as usually for me its a few days.im scared it will never come back down
They can last for a varied period of time, from a few minutes to much longer including over a week. There are a number of factors at play as to why they happen and also continue. Here are some resources to consider. It will pass! - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZmkepGYcjzc.html
Can you do a video that PFD patients can share that's just for friends and family to see. There's a lot of videos for patients but sometimes we only have short attention spans for people around us... It's disheartening and can be deflating. Having a video that just gives them facts and a quick understanding would be such an amazing tool for understanding and support. I've started to explain before and by the end I'm flooded and sometimes have tears in my eyes by the end.
Thanks for the feedback and suggestion. I will add this to the pile of future episodes. It can be very challenging for anyone else to rule comprehend what it is we go through with this condition. I am considering setting up a support group for partners, parents and loved ones of pelvic pain patients. Let me know if you wish yours to be added to the list for this.
Heat kills bacteria, the prostate is right behind the pubic bone, press a heating pad on the pubic bone and the heat will permeate through the pubic bone, apply for 30 minutes and your prostatitis will be gone.
Amazing to hear a recovery story ! I can definitely relate to most of the things he was saying , I have had symptoms for about 7 months , first 3-5 month were really awful but symptoms are slowly easing with a self care routine and low dose of amitriptyline. Sometimes I feel pain free , but symptoms are lingering there and here and it’s getting better . Carl thank you for Friday takeaways those videos really showed me how to get better . 🙏
You're most welcome. You are starting see changes in your symptoms. An upcoming podcast will include what to expect in a typical journey to recovery - the pattern of symptom changes we can look forward to. Please do share the content on any other platforms you feel would benefit
Inflammatory prostatitis can raise your PSA. But, it is also important to note that a high PSA by itself is not conclusive. Riding a bike, ejaculating and even a cold can raise your PSA!!!
This hidden illness causes so much anxiety because it is awkward to talk about it. It is easier to talk about your arm hurting or your broken leg. You get so much more sympathy!
Very true. We are aiming at breaking this taboo, Our next webinar delves into this and you may wish to check our global support community where you can meet with other men and chat face to face with them. More details to follow in the coming episodes
That comparison was straight to the point !!!! “Oh look at this guy I bet he doesn’t have any pain in his penis , or look at him he can have sex any time he wants to” also passing by coffee shop “ oh look at this people they can drink coffee but I can’t “ those examples were so accurate. 👌
Thanks for the comments and support. I know this feeling all too well from when I had my symptoms and I see this daily with my patients... It is so easy to do, but only leads to more suffering and a deeper feeling of disconnectedness : ( Can you be aware and do it less OR, be kind to yourself if you do it??
Thank you Carl ! Really supporting podcast ! Would be nice if you could also share with us how usually progress go . I realized I can only get better every month maybe by 5-10% percent with the help of self care . I think a lot of men not aware how slow this progress is , so we end deviating from our plan of self care and start thinking that all the things we are doing are useless. You are best coach 😇.
Thanks so much for your support and kind words. Please do feel free to share the podcasts on any other platforms you feel would benefit from my coaching. Consistency will give you continued recovery. As you improve you will be able to do more and this can really help our sense of progress. A future podcast on what the future holds for those on this journey is a great idea. Thanks for your feedback.
Thank you for your comments and feedback. i am sorry you feel this way. It is a very complex condition and there is no "cure" that fixes all, but it can most definitely be managed and successfully overcome. It is not an easy journey and it can be an immense struggle at times. I know, I have been there!
Awesome Good for you getting much better now I still have this even after. Surgery. May 2020. Trying the. Wave therapy. It’s the new thing But tell you really it only gave me relief for. One or two nights Yes. Caffeine fires my. Pudenaul nerve up so bad And laying down to go to bed that’s when it get. Bad bad Along with caffeine I get up two or three times a night If I get up 2 x a night I think that’s great But it’s not right med. Dr doesn’t know about this. Never.
Not today , but this month I am able to eat my meals on the chair without rushing to finish, able to take time and enjoy. Before I had to rush to stretch after eating because my pelvis was on fire after sitting for 5-10 minutes.
What I find helped alot was getting off all the forums an just living in the present an working out an stretching an slowly noticed most if not all my problems just went away, less tension because I wasn't focusing on my pelvic floor
It can be tough when the forums seem the only place to find answers, but there is no filter to them and everyone posts when they are at their lowest. It is very rare that people comment when they have achieved success/wins. Opening up your focus to other aspects of life beyond just the pelvis is SO important. Please see my velcro, glimmers and teflon podcast - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qRmuyIsGmKs.html
Your video quality is very well. Due to some of the problems mentioned above, your videos are not reaching people properly. So your video views and subscribers are not increasing. No problem I can assist you.
You're most welcome. DO check out all the other episodes and try and weave the relaxation techniques into your self care programme for ongoing benefits
