Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Chronic Prostatitis, and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disorder in older men associated with urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction, and leads chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndromes1. Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndromes are due to nerve dysfunction, inflammation related to the immune system, hormonal imbalance, and psychological factors. The symptoms are pelvic, genital, or perineal pain associated with bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction lasting longer than 3 months. Manual therapy techniques for the pelvic floor, muscle relaxation techniques, flexibility exercises, and aerobic exercises are all beneficial in decreasing pain and improving sexual function.
1. Van Alstyne LS, Harrington KL, Haskvitz EM. Physical Therapist Management of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Physical Therapy, 2010; 90 (12).
2. Lavoisier P, Roy P, Dantony E, Watrelot A, Ruggeri J, Dumoulin S. Pelvic-Floor Muscle Rehabilitation in Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation. Physical Therapy, 2014; in review.
3. Van Kampen M, De Weerdt W, Claes H, et al. Treatment of erectile dysfunction by perineal exercise, electromyographic biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. Physical Therapy, 2003;83:536-43.