Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Men: Unveiling the Facts

Most people tend to think that Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a disease that exclusively women are affected by, when the subject is being discussed. Though it is a fact that PID is the condition peculiar to the female reproductive system, men can be infected by similar conditions in the pelvic area. These male infections are due to the same causes and may have the same complications, but are often quite neglected or not recognized. Let us now talk about the truth of PID-like conditions affecting men, how to identify them and what should be done.

Can Men Get Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

In fact, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is specifically a women’s issue, where the infection occurs in the female reproductive organs, i.e. the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Since men do not have these organs, then by definition, it is not possible for them to have PID. Yet, just like women, men can still find themselves dealing with infections that are caused by the same bacteria in their reproductive and urinary systems.

Among men, the diseases that are alike include:

• Urethritis – inflammation of the urethra
• Prostatitis – infection or inflammation of the prostate gland
• Epididymitis – inflammation of the epididymis (a tube behind the testicles)
• Orchitis – inflammation of one or both testicles
• Proctitis – inflammation of the rectum, more common in men who engage in receptive anal intercourse

These infections are sometimes called “male pelvic inflammatory syndromes”.

What Causes These Infections in Men?

The prime and most common cause of pelvic infections in males is bacteria that are usually passed during sexual contact. The usual germs here are:

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea)
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Escherichia coli (E. coli) – particularly in cases of infection of the urinary or the prostate

It is these bacteria that are being transported into the urethra and, if not prevented, they can go deep into other organs. There are risk factors that cause the possibility of infection to rise, such as:

• Unprotected intercourse
• Having many sexual partners
• Engaging in anal sex
• Preceding history of several STIs
• Just-removed catheter or urinary procedures 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For PID

Often, the start of pelvic infections in men is asymptomatic or shows barely any signs, and they are not detected. However, the ongoing infection triggers off some danger signals, and one of the symptoms of pelvic infections in males is as follows:

• Burning when urinating
• Release from the penis
• Inflamed or painful testicles
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Painful ejaculation
• Fever, cold, or exhaustion
• tiredness
• vomiting
• fainting
• Bloody urine or semen
• painful sex
• painful urination

The first feeling of discomfort demands medical attention, as the first phase of a disease can avoid complications.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The treatment of pelvic infections in men is done by the means of:

• Reviewing of medical history and symptoms
• Examination of the genitals and pelvic area
• Checking urine for white blood cells/bacteria
• Swabs taken from the urethra to look for STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Testing the blood for the amount of infection
• Using ultrasound or the latest imaging technologies when infection extends to deeper parts of the body like prostate or testicles

People who are diagnosed early will recover quicker and will not expose themselves to contact with others, which is beneficial for society in general.

Treatment Options for Male Pelvic Infections

Usually, the majority of male pelvic infections are treated with antibiotics, which are given according to the results of the bacteria identified. The most familiar treatments are:

• Doxycycline or Azithromycin (Azicip 250Mg , Azicip 500Mg) – for chlamydia
• Ceftriaxone – for gonorrhea
• Fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole – for prostate infections caused by E. coli

It should be noted that:

• The antibiotics regimen shall be replete even if symptoms of the disease are gone.
• Stay away from sex until the treatment is finished and a doctor has made sure you are free of the condition.
• It is possible that partners may need to get themselves treated so as not to be reinfected.

In the event of serious development or if an abscess surfaces, the use of a hospital or surgery for drainage might be necessary albeit very infrequent.

 What Can Happen from Not Treating It?

When left untreated, pelvic infections in males can be the cause of severe problems that include:

• Continuous pelvic or testicular pain
• Infertility as a result of scarring or a blockage in the reproductive tract
• Prostate abscess
• Epididymal obstruction
• In the worst-case scenario, the infection in the bloodstream may be spread (sepsis)

Moreover, if the infected men remain untreated, they may also unwittingly transmit the infection to their partners, hence creating a probability of PID in women. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding long-term health problems.

How to Prevent Pelvic Infections in Men

Being the cause of pelvic infections can be preventable through the knowledge and practice of good sexual and personal hygiene. Given below are the main prevention steps:

• Consistently use and correctly wear a condom
• Have a limited number of sexual partners
• Undergo regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases
• Do not share towels or underwear with others
• Be good about personal hygiene, especially before and after intercourse
• Without delay, seek treatment for any symptoms of urinary or genital infection

Learning, healthy communication with partners, and regular medical checkups are the three major methods of prevention, which also play an important role in sexual health in general.

What Every Man Should Know

• Men may not actually be infected with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, but they can get the same bacteria that cause the pelvic area to be seriously infected.
• Urethritis, prostatitis, and epididymitis are akin to PID and are just as capable of causing health problems for the long term if not attended to.
• In the beginning, the symptoms may be mild, but they can progress to pain, swelling, discharge, and other symptoms.
• The diagnostic procedure is straightforward and almost all infections can be cured by undergoing an antibiotic therapy.
• Prevention involves implementing safe sex, going for regular STI checks, and seeking treatment as soon as skin irritation is noticed.