Does Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Men Affect Having a Baby?

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome includes chronic non-bacterial prostatitis as well as prostate pain, which is a common condition in men. So far, this disease's cause is unclear, but the symptoms are traceable. In particular, this disease may cause erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men. So many male patients are concerned about whether this will affect their fertility.

The mechanism of pelvic pain syndrome in men is very complex for male diseases and is a long-term chronic damage process involving nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. The main symptoms are frequent urination, urinary urgency, urination leakage, urinary retention, and urination difficulty. Initially, the symptoms are mild but become more pronounced over time. 

First of all, sedentary behavior compresses the gluteal muscles, which can make the gluteal muscles numb and stiff, and then compress the perineal and sciatic nerves that run between the gluteal muscles, leading to perineal pain, pain in the back of the thighs, and pain in the lumbosacral region.

Prolonged sympathetic excitation will lead to spasms of the pelvic floor muscles. Sedentary behavior will lead to pelvic venous blood stasis. The organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis are in a state of oxygen deprivation, thus affecting the blood supply to the testicles and penis. As a result, patients will also experience erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

So, does this disease affect male fertility?

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men affects the quality of life of about 2-10% of adult men, with a higher prevalence in adult men under 50 years of age. In general, most patients have relatively mild clinical symptoms that do not affect sperm quantity or quality and, therefore, do not affect male fertility. 

However, if the disease remains untreated for a long time, it can affect male sexual function and, along with other diseases, change the physicochemical properties of prostatic fluid, affect semen liquefaction and sperm activity, and reduce male fertility.

Therefore, in order not to affect fertility, patients who develop this disease should be treated as soon as possible. The disease has a chronic, recurrent course and requires active, comprehensive treatment. For example, lifestyle modification, physical therapy such as microwave, radiofrequency, laser and psychological intervention can be used if necessary. In addition, patients can also take traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, which can effectively improve the patient's pain and discomfort with its efficacy of activating blood circulation, promoting qi and relieving pain.

Specifically, how to regulate lifestyle in daily life, men can refer to these practices below:

1. Reduce Sedentary Behavior

Control sedentary time and move around for 10-15 minutes every hour of sitting. Maintaining moderate exercise, with more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, such as brisk walking or swimming, can effectively alleviate related symptoms, reduce prostate pain, and improve quality of life.

2. Adjust the Diet

Pay attention to a light diet; emphasize foods containing lycopene, such as tomatoes and watermelon, which can protect the prostate gland; stay away from cold and spicy foods; and quit smoking and drinking.

3. Keep Regular Life

Maintain a regular sex life; young couples can have sex 2-3 times a week; avoid staying up late, maintain an optimistic mindset; warm sitz baths for 2-3 times a day, each time up to 20 minutes or so, which can improve the local blood circulation, promote the absorption of inflammation.

In the face of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, male patients should correct their mentality, actively eliminate bad emotions, correct bad habits, and strictly follow the doctor's instructions for medication or treatment to see the therapeutic effect as soon as possible and early recovery of health.

Recommended Readings:

The Difference Between Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome And Chronic Prostatitis

Traditional Chinese Treatments for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Biofeedback Therapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome