Seeking Clarity on Pelvic Pain Symptoms
I’ll aim to be brief, but there’s quite a backstory to share, so I appreciate your patience. For the past five years, I've been grappling with intermittent pain in my pelvis, testicles, and lower back. These discomfort episodes occur in sharp bursts, each lasting about 4 to 6 hours, producing moderate to severe pain followed by lingering soreness in the affected areas. During these instances, my testicles become exceedingly sensitive, making any touch, even from clothing or furniture, painful. My pelvic region and back seem to take turns throbbing, compounding the distress. I've sought help at the emergency room, urgent care, and consulted my primary doctor. Admittedly, I realize I ought to connect with a urologist as well—every time I’ve been examined, I provide a urine sample and receive vague advice to be cautious and use ibuprofen if it recurs. Although these events can occur relatively close together—up to twice a week—they typically happen months or even years apart. Initially, I could link the pain to something I did that affected my testicles, like sitting awkwardly or being rough during hygiene routines. Recently, however, these episodes not only returned but also lengthened—in fact, I've been experiencing them almost every other day for two weeks, now accompanied by a troubling difficulty when trying to urinate. What’s more perplexing is that these episodes seem to arise without any clear triggers. Through my own investigations, I've come to suspect that chronic prostatitis might be the underlying cause of my symptoms. Given that this marks my fifth or sixth visit to a healthcare professional regarding this issue, is it unreasonable to inquire if my prostate might be at fault? It hasn’t been examined in any of my past consultations, likely due to my relatively young age and my assumption that the problems were solely related to my testicles. I don’t want to appear disrespectful to any dedicated nurse or doctor I encounter, but I’m increasingly frustrated by the lack of a definitive answer after multiple visits. Any insights or guidance you could provide would mean a lot. Thanks for your understanding!
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 10:20:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been experiencing quite a challenging and persistent set of symptoms. Your concerns about potential chronic prostatitis and the need for a comprehensive evaluation of your prostate are valid, especially given the recurrent nature and recent exacerbation of your pain. Let’s break this down:
Summary of Key Points:
- You have ongoing pelvic, testicular, and lower back pain, sometimes accompanied by urinary difficulties.
- These symptoms have been recurring more frequently in the last two weeks.
- There’s a possibility of chronic prostatitis or another urological issue.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including sharp pelvic pain, testicular sensitivity, and urinary difficulties, could indeed suggest an issue related to the prostate or other urological conditions. Chronic prostatitis is one potential cause, particularly if it has not yet been thoroughly evaluated in your previous visits. While young age usually leads providers to consider other conditions first, persistent symptoms like yours warrant a closer look at the prostate.
Next Steps:
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting the intensity, duration, and any related activities or dietary changes. This will help provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
-
Request a Referral to a Urologist: Since you suspect chronic prostatitis, requesting a referral to a urologist is an important next step. Be clear about your symptoms, concerns, and the impact they have on your daily life during your next medical appointment.
-
Prepare for Your Urology Consultation: Before your urologist visit, prepare a list of questions and your symptom diary. Ask specifically about:
- A potential prostate examination, including digital rectal exam (DRE).
- The possibility of checking for infections or inflammation.
- Treatment options available for chronic prostatitis.
-
Self-Care Measures: While waiting for your appointment, consider:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief as advised (like ibuprofen).
- Applying warmth to the pelvic area to help alleviate discomfort.
- Staying hydrated and monitoring your urine patterns.
-
Monitor for Urgent Symptoms: If you experience severe pain, persistent fever, blood in your urine, or inability to urinate, seek immediate medical attention.
It's completely reasonable to pursue clarity on your symptoms, and advocating for your health is important. You deserve a thorough evaluation and a responsive approach to your ongoing discomfort.
Related Questions
Concerns About Abdominal Discomfort
To start with, I feel compelled to mention that I struggle with severe health-related obsessive-compulsive disorder, which leads me to intensely focus on any symptoms I experience, resulting in unnecessary worry. Recently, I began to experience some discomfort in my abdomen, specifically in the area just below my right breast, which has now evolved into tenderness upon touch. This soreness is located beneath my rib cage, and I haven't experienced any changes in my appetite or feelings of nausea. My last bowel movement occurred on Thursday, and as of this morning, the discomfort has shifted slightly, now positioned just above my belly button. I had a regular bowel movement this morning and was able to take a walk without any issues. The pain only manifests when I cough or during the transitions between sitting and standing. Initially, I was concerned about the possibility of a hernia, but I understand that the pain associated with a hernia typically does not shift in location like mine seems to. I should also note that I am classified as overweight and have been living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), for which I’m taking a proton pump inhibitor. Fortunately, my heartburn symptoms have remained stable, largely influenced by my dietary habits. Over the past year, I've dealt with some weight fluctuations due to medication side effects and stress (ranging from 330 pounds to 275 pounds and back to 310 pounds). Thankfully, I have not encountered vomiting or any changes in my bowel movements. I would appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.
Lymph Nodes Observed in Abdominal CT Scan
A 26-year-old female, standing at 5'1" and weighing 70 kg, who does not smoke and drinks alcohol occasionally, has been experiencing gastrointestinal problems characterized by alternating periods of constipation and softer stools since January 24th. Additionally, she was diagnosed with a bladder infection on February 3rd, which was treated with a single dose of antibiotics totalling 3000 mg. She sought emergency medical attention due to significant discomfort in her lower left back, initially feeling colicky before becoming a constant dull ache, leading to an overnight stay for an abdominal CT scan the following morning. The findings from this scan have caused her some concern, particularly regarding identified lymph nodes. **Medical Findings:** Diagnosis: Lumbosacral radiculopathy and fecal impaction. **Treatment Approach:** The patient has been prescribed spasmolytic analgesics and will undergo further radiological evaluation. **CT Scan Results:** The low-dose native abdominal CT revealed normal appearances of the kidneys and urinary tract on both sides, with no signs of urinary retention or kidney stones in the renal pelvis or ureters. However, a few small, nonspecific mesenteric lymph nodes were detected in the mesenteric root and perizocecal areas, along with small inguinal lymph nodes on both sides. There is also no indication of appendicitis, and the colon contains a moderate volume of stool. The remainder of the low-dose CT findings are within normal limits. **Ultrasound Findings:** The abdominal ultrasound indicates grade I ectasia of the left renal pelvis, while no abnormalities were noted in the left renal pelvis, and the bladder was observed to be empty following urination. **Next Steps:** A referral for further urological evaluation is recommended alongside maintaining adequate hydration, with analgesics suggested if pain management is necessary.
Can Eating More Fiber Alleviate Menstrual Cycle-Related Constipation?
Every month, during the week and a half leading up to my menstrual period, I experience constipation. I'm curious if boosting my fiber consumption might ease this issue. I already ensure that I drink plenty of water throughout the day. I am a woman in my mid-20s.
Seeking Relief from Mild Fecal Impaction: Should I Go to the ER?
At 20 years old, I find myself dealing with a frustrating issue: fecal impaction. It's not something I've faced before, or at least I can’t recall, but I’ve had chronic stomach difficulties throughout my childhood, including constipation from ages four to twelve. Recently, I've been experiencing more digestive challenges after a few years of feeling normal. Currently, I’m under the care of a gastroenterologist, and we’re working on diagnosing the underlying problems. For about five days now, I haven't been able to relieve myself. While I’ve had considerable gas, that’s been the only symptom. Today has been particularly difficult; I’ve spent the last 11 hours in the bathroom grappling with severe discomfort and impaction. Each attempt to relieve the situation is excruciating, to the point where my body is resisting the effort—it’s so painful that I find myself in tears. I imagine this is what birth must feel like. I suspect this intense fear and pain are remnants of my past struggles, as for many years I’ve feared using the bathroom due to the agony it causes. Despite trying various remedies like Miralax mixed with coffee, a bullet suppository, and even a manual approach with gloves, nothing is yielding results. I’m genuinely tempted to head to the emergency room and ask them to put me under so they can help me without the pain. My mother suggests they would likely opt for a liquid suppository treatment like they did during my childhood, which was quite traumatic. I’m torn—it feels like the ER might be my last resort, but I'm concerned they won’t take me seriously since my situation doesn’t seem dire. How foolish would it be to bring up wanting sedation? I desperately want to avoid this pain; it’s becoming increasingly difficult, and I’m fighting back tears from the frustration. Can they truly provide sedation for this type of issue even when it isn’t severe? I worry that my parents might react negatively to my quest for relief and think I’m being dramatic. I’m utterly drained and don’t know where to turn. When there’s no painful push against my body, I can’t even sense the severity of the issue, yet, I am experiencing leakage, leaving me unsure. Would it be unreasonable to pose this question to the doctors in the ER? I apologize if this message is jumbled; I’m also dealing with a migraine, making it hard to focus. For context, my daily medications include phentermine, iron supplements, and vitamin D. I stand at 5’4” and currently weigh 204 pounds as part of my ongoing weight loss journey.
Did My Appendectomy Resolve My Digestive Issues?
I’m a 27-year-old non-binary person who had their appendix surgically removed due to appendicitis early last October. Since that procedure, I’m experiencing something I never thought possible: regular bowel movements. Remarkably, this newfound routine hasn’t faded away, contrary to what my doctors predicted. Historically, I have struggled with constipation throughout my life. As a child, I often felt compelled to mislead healthcare professionals about my bowel habits, claiming I had daily movements out of fear that something was amiss. In reality, I would only have a bowel movement every three to five days. I also live with autism, ADHD, dysthymia, and PTSD. Given my history of burnout, it would be logical to attribute my digestive struggles to stress. However, these issues persisted even during holidays and rarely intensified during particularly stressful times. Most of the medications I tried, including SSRIs and various birth control options, had no impact, except for Ritalin, which occasionally provided some relief when not taken consistently. Prior to the appendectomy, I underwent two surgeries: one for a fractured arm and the other a double procedure to remove my uterus and breasts. Unfortunately, neither operation had any effect on my bowel function. Since my surgery, my dietary, hydration, exercise, and substance use habits have remained unchanged. A bit of additional context: My thyroid hormone levels are normal, although I occasionally have low Vitamin D, for which I take supplements. I receive B12 injections to address low levels since dietary sources aren’t effective for me. Additionally, I deal with a persistent mystery of chronic fatigue that shows no signs of improvement post-surgery. This leads to my question: Could my appendix have been the source of my gastrointestinal issues? Alternatively, did the surgery trigger some other change that resolved my long-standing problem? I’m curious if anyone else has encountered similar experiences. What are the chances that I’ll revert back to my past issues with constipation? Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated, mostly out of interest.