UCPPS - Prostatitis, Interstitial Cystitis Forum

I find it rather concerning that the book, "Headache in the Pelvis" does not mention erectile dysfunction as a symptom of CPPS. Is this really accepted as a symptom of is it considered mostly psychological? I know without a doubt that my erectile dysfunction has been episodic and only occurs when I have prostatitis symptoms and furthermore I do not get any morning erections during this time. I want to make sure my symptoms are considered legitimate and not in my head.

Episodic ED is a symptom of CPPS.

From the 2001 AUA Meeting comes the following definition:

• The principal symptom is pain or discomfort in the pelvic region or thereabouts lasting 3 months or more.
• Younger men, median age 43 years.
• Pain is most severe symptom and most commonly reported symptom (Alexander and Trissel 1996) (Krieger and others 1996).
• Symptoms are episodic, wax and wane, variable periodicity.
• Most common site of pain is perineum but wide variation in places throughout the pelvic region that are reported as uncomfortable.
• Voiding symptoms, irritative contributing more than obstructive symptoms.
• Sexual function impairment although most men potent.
• Pain after ejaculation is a very specific complaint that distinguishes prostatitis from BPH or normal men (Litwin and others 1999)

I'm guessing the book does not mention it because it is not a prominent feature of CPPS (rather it comes and goes, if it's there at all), and they may also not want to attract men who have ED problems chiefly, and little pain.

Thank you for your response

It's been a year now of decreased sensitivity of the penis, poor to no erections and decreased libido. I don't see any light at the end of this tunnel, but so desperately want to remain hopeful. Has it improved for any of you and what did you do. My pain has improved but not the erectile dysfunction

I really think what you have may fall outside the ambit of our condition. There are numerous conditions that affect virility and potency, and an investigation into those possibilities is overdue.

Webslave I must ask, why do you suggest my symptoms of erectile dysfunction falls outside the typical presentation of CPPS. It's rather confusing and even more disappointing. I have been struggling with the poor quality erections, decreased libido, and decreased sensation now for a year now. When I read other postings many of these men have suffered from the same symptoms. I just wanted to know what has worked, does it get better? So your response webslave dimmed my flame quite significantly.

It would be beneficial to communicate with some members directly to know what has or has not worked for them.

Well, erectile difficulties are linked to many conditions. Some examples:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low testosterone
• Peyronie's disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord

ED is not a stand-out feature of CPPS. It is a symptom, but not the cardinal symptom. Many sufferers do not have it at all. If the other typical symptoms of CPPS are subdued or missing (pain, especially pain after ejaculation), then you should look at other causes.

A piriformis muscle with trigger points can squeeze the pudendal nerve so that you get erectile dysfunction.
http://triggerpointrelief.com/cdrom/piriformis.html
I have had this problem myself. Releasing the TrP solves my problem.
Morning erections return and function goes back to normal.

Thank you figge for your response. It gives me so much hope to actually talk to someone who understands my symptoms. How long did it take before you saw a response? Which trigger point releases did you do?
Thank you again.

We can not know for sure that you will respond to the treatment in the same way and that the problem is exactly the same. If it is however, it could get way better in just a few days. Last time I got erection problems I solved it by doing pressure release on the piriformis TrPs (with a tennisball against the wall) two times a day followed by light stretch of the piriformis. Learn how to locate the muscle through the glutes, you can find two TrP per side, four in total.