Penile and Scrotal Pain
Penile and scrotal pain is pain felt in the pelvic area. It’s felt explicitly around the testicles (scrotum) and along the shaft or tip of the penis. You might also experience pain in the perineal area and around the anus.
This pain may be on both sides or just one, and may be constant or intermittent. Penile and scrotal pain can have a variety of causes, and it's essential to get a medical check. You might also be experiencing bladder, bowel or sexual problems.
Persistent penile and scrotal pain is often a hidden problem. It can’t be seen, is hard to diagnose, and usually, people suffer for years before finding help. It's more common than you think and can be quite distressing, impacting many aspects of your life. You might be unable to sit through a meeting. Or perhaps you’re avoiding sex.
Our experienced team can help.
We understand that talking about intimate body parts can be embarrassing. But rest assured, our experienced postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapists have the knowledge and skills to help treat this painful condition – with the sensitivity and discretion it deserves. And remember, most people experiencing penile and scrotal pain can be helped. So why not get in touch with us today?
Persistent penile and scrotal pain is often a hidden problem. It can’t be seen, is hard to diagnose, and usually, people suffer for years before finding help. But if you suffer from this type of pain, physiotherapy can help.
Common signs & symptoms of penile and scrotal pain
Penile and scrotal pain can be different for everyone, but if you experience these problems, you may be familiar with some of the following:
- Pain in the penis shaft or tip
- Pain in the testicles
- Pain in the perineum or anus
- Pain with erection, ejaculation or orgasm
- Difficulties with erections
- Pain after sex
- Pain with sitting
- Reduced libido and sexual confidence
Risk factors & causes of penile and scrotal pain
- Tight and tense pelvic floor muscles with poor relaxation
- A sensitised nervous system
- Irritation, injury or compression of a nerve
- Chronic prostatitis
- Infection of the prostate
- Depression, anxiety or stress
- History of trauma or abuse
- Overuse of core muscles
- Other pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines
- Low back pain
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Our Proven Pathway for Treating Penile and Scrotal Pain
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
We begin by taking the time to learn all about you – as a whole person, not just a patient. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you..
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your pain. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes examining your lumbar spine, pelvic joints and muscles, abdominal and pelvic floor. You’ll also be given a bladder diary, bowel diary and answer questionnaires so we can understand more about your thoughts, feelings and environment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your pain, we can explore how it all fits together. Perhaps you’ve seen many doctors and had a lot of investigations (which are clear), but you still have pain. Often the answer lies in tight muscles, a sensitive nervous system and heightened emotions.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals, such as:
- Sit in a restaurant without having to get up and move
- Sit in meetings without pain
- Enjoy pain-free erections and orgasms
- Feel confident to be intimate and be open to a relationship
- Exercise safely without worrying about my pain increasing
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
The second step is where the action happens. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn all about pain science and sexual function, how your nervous system and body work together, what’s not working and what you can do to reduce pain.
Next, you’ll learn how to break the pain cycle with strategies to calm your nerves, muscles and the connection with your thoughts and emotions. This might include activities like mindfulness, breathing exercises or stretches.
We’ll also start pelvic floor muscle training. You’ll learn valuable new skills and connect with hidden muscles that you didn’t know you had. We’ll create an individualised program based on your needs, learning how to relax your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Plus, you’ll be given excellent resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The final step is all about helping you reach the meaningful goals you set at the beginning of your journey. You might even want to explore new opportunities you hadn’t thought possible – like trying online dating or retiring your standing desk. By this stage, you’ll have the tools and confidence to maintain comfort in your scrotum or penis in all situations – without needing to rely on regular appointments.
Of course, life can sometimes throw a curveball or three. Stressful events like financial pressure or changes in relationships can affect your progress. If things ever feel off track, remember – we’re always here to support you, whenever you need a reset.
Read about Luca 19 yrs, Geoff 41 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au