Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Conditions

Understanding Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)*

Understanding Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Prostatitis refers to pain or discomfort associated with the prostate gland and surrounding pelvic structures. While some cases are due to infection, most men with long-term prostate-related pain have Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) — a non-infectious, often nerve- or muscle-related condition.

CPPS is one of the most common causes of persistent pelvic pain in men. It arises from complex interactions between pelvic floor muscle tension, nerve hypersensitivity, inflammation, and stress-related factors. Pain is often accompanied by urinary or sexual symptoms and can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Deep aching or burning pain in the perineum, testicles, penis, lower abdomen, or lower back
  • Pain or discomfort during or after urination or ejaculation
  • Urinary frequency, urgency, or weak flow
  • Tightness or pressure in the pelvic or rectal area
  • Fatigue, disrupted sleep, or anxiety related to chronic pain

Because the symptoms of CPPS overlap with other pelvic and urological conditions, careful multidisciplinary assessment is essential to identify all contributing factors.

Wessex Pain Clinic

How We Diagnose

At Wessex Pain Clinic, diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and examination, focusing on pain distribution, urinary and sexual symptoms, and potential triggers such as stress or previous infection. We collaborate closely with urologists, physiotherapists, and pelvic pain specialists to rule out infection and structural problems.
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Lifestyle and Complementary Therapies

Our specialist pelvic physiotherapy partners play a key role in rehabilitation, focusing on:

  • Pelvic floor relaxation, stretching, and breathing techniques
  • Postural correction and gentle strengthening
  • Bladder and bowel re-education

Our pain psychology team provides support for managing anxiety, stress, and the emotional effects of chronic pelvic pain, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based pain management.

This consultant-led, multidisciplinary model ensures every aspect of prostatitis and CPPS — physical, neurological, and psychological — is addressed together for long-term relief and improved quality of life. At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.

Medications

We may prescribe:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and pelvic inflammation
  • Neuropathic pain medications (amitriptyline, duloxetine, pregabalin, or gabapentin) to calm irritated nerves

Medication plans are individually tailored and often combined with physical and psychological therapies for optimal benefit.

Interventional Procedures

For persistent or severe pain, our consultants may recommend precise, image-guided treatments, including:

  • Pudendal nerve blocks to relieve perineal or penile pain
  • Pelvic floor trigger point injections to release muscle spasm and tension
  • Ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerve blocks for referred groin or scrotal pain
  • Lidocaine infusions for widespread nerve sensitisation
  • Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of pelvic nerves for longer-lasting relief in chronic cases
Our management of prostatitis and CPPS is comprehensive, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary, targeting both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pelvic pain.

Treatments at Wessex Pain Clinic

Treatments