013: Men & Pelvic Pain – Beyond Prostatitis

013: Men & Pelvic Pain – Beyond Prostatitis

In this episode, we shine a light on men's pelvic health — an area that's common, under-discussed, and frequently misunderstood. We explore why so many men are given a quick label of "prostatitis" when their symptoms often reflect a broader pelvic floor and nervous system issue rather than a primary prostate problem. We talk through what this can look like day to day: testicular, rectal, and penile discomfort; trouble sitting; changes with urination; and discomfort around erection and ejaculation. We also discuss how cultural expectations, masculinity, and embarrassment can keep men from speaking up or reaching out for help. From there, we walk listeners through what a more thorough workup should include, why seeing a urologist is just the starting point, and how pelvic floor physical therapy and mind–body strategies fit into long-term management. Throughout, we emphasize a whole-person, team-based approach that validates men's experiences and offers a clearer, more hopeful path forward. In this episode, you will hear: * How common men's pelvic and sexual discomfort really is and why it's rarely discussed * Mislabeling symptoms as "prostatitis" versus understanding chronic pelvic floor dysfunction * Triggers such as sports injuries, hernias, hip issues, and past infections that can start the pelvic spiral * Symptoms that show up with sitting, urination, ejaculation, and testicular or perineal discomfort * Why many men delay seeking care and how cultural expectations and masculinity shape that response * The role of urologists, pelvic floor physical therapists, and mental health providers in a team approach * Focusing less on a perfect diagnosis name and more on whole-person, long-term management Resources from this Episode * https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38449457/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38449457/] * https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6040614/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6040614/] * https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323792#sti [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323792#sti] * https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10511008/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10511008/] * https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-pain-in-men#abdominal-pain-causes [https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-pain-in-men#abdominal-pain-causes] * https://urology.ucsf.edu/patient-info/adult-non-cancer/male-sexual-and-reproductive-health/prostatitis [https://urology.ucsf.edu/patient-info/adult-non-cancer/male-sexual-and-reproductive-health/prostatitis] * https://pelvicpainrehab.com/blog/using-cannabis-to-treat-persistent-pelvic-pain/ [https://pelvicpainrehab.com/blog/using-cannabis-to-treat-persistent-pelvic-pain/] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pelvic-pain-unpacked-real-talk-about-pain-pleasure/id1847958029]. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com [https://emeraldcitypro.com/]. Let them know we sent you.

012: Pelvic Health and Sexual Wellness: How Sex Therapy, Pelvic Floor PT, and CBD Work Together with Theresa Litz, PhD

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Theresa Litz, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and sex therapist, to explore how sexual wellness and pelvic health intersect. With advanced training in human sexuality studies, EMDR, somatic resourcing, and experience working with men's sexual victimization, she brings a nuanced, trauma-informed perspective to this conversation. We talk about why intimacy can become wrapped up with physical discomfort, apprehension, and shame, and how our nervous system, past experiences, and cultural scripts all contribute. Dr. Litz explains how she collaborates with pelvic floor physical therapists, why medical evaluation and therapy work best together, and what people can actually expect from sex therapy —from history-taking and building safety to moving at a client-led pace. Listeners learn about tools like sensate focus, mindfulness, self-exploration, and EMDR to rebuild trust in the body and reframe unhelpful beliefs. We also discuss CBD as one supportive option for relaxation and easing muscular guarding, and we close with a message of grounded hope: pleasure is still possible and can be defined on our own terms. In this episode, you will hear: * Men's and women's different experiences accessing care for pelvic and sexual health * What sex therapy actually involves and when to seek it out * How the nervous system, past experiences, and apprehension shape sexual function * EMDR, sensate focus, mindfulness, and self-exploration as tools to rebuild trust in the body * Navigating intimacy in relationships, including guilt, shame, and communication between partners * How pelvic floor PT and sex therapy can work together for better outcomes * Where CBD may fit in as a supportive tool for relaxation and easing muscular guarding Resources from this Episode * Guest Website: https://www.betterbeinggroup.com/theresa-litz [https://www.betterbeinggroup.com/theresa-litz] * Book References: * Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire by Lori A. Brotto, PhD (Great resource for learning how mindfulness can improve desire and provides exercises to put the material into practice): https://www.amazon.com/Better-Sex-Through-Mindfulness-Cultivate/dp/1771642351 [https://www.amazon.com/Better-Sex-Through-Mindfulness-Cultivate/dp/1771642351] * Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships by Lauren Fogel Mersy, PsyD and Jennifer A Vencill, PhD, ADPP (Great resource discussing differences in libido and different external factors that impact desire. It also includes activities partners can do together and individually to learn more about themselves): https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Inclusive-Navigating-Differences-Relationships/dp/0807006785 [https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Inclusive-Navigating-Differences-Relationships/dp/0807006785] * Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD (Great resource discussing sex and sexuality as a whole. Dr. Nagoski also has a workbook with activities that goes deeper into the concepts discussed): https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1476762090 [https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1476762090] * https://resources.medroots.com/blog/ [https://resources.medroots.com/blog/] * https://resources.medroots.com/blog/the-new-way-to-make-sex-more-comfortable-and-enjoyable-for-women-with-pelvic-discomfort/ [https://resources.medroots.com/blog/the-new-way-to-make-sex-more-comfortable-and-enjoyable-for-women-with-pelvic-discomfort/] * https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-sex-effectiveness#potential-benefits [https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-sex-effectiveness#potential-benefits] * https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37702237/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37702237/] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pelvic-pain-unpacked-real-talk-about-pain-pleasure/id1847958029]. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com [https://emeraldcitypro.com/]. Let them know we sent you.

011: From Suffering to Relief: How CBD Is Changing the Endometriosis Conversation

In this episode, we sit down with pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Sarahann Callaway to unpack why endometriosis is so often missed and what real, whole-person support can look like. We explore how pelvic health physical therapy goes far beyond Kegels, focusing on bladder, bowel, and sexual function, and how endometriosis frequently shows up as cyclical symptoms, especially things like difficult bowel movements during menstruation and recurring abdominal and pelvic discomfort. We talk about why diagnosis still relies heavily on surgery, the long and frustrating route many patients face, and how social media awareness and self-advocacy are finally starting to shorten that journey. Dr. Callaway shares how she works with endometriosis through a systems lens — examining the nervous system, sleep, stress, movement, gut health, and collaboration across specialties, from gynecology and urology to dietitians, acupuncturists, and mental health providers. We also discuss how CBD vaginal suppositories can serve as a natural, non-sedating tool to ease flare-ups, support pelvic floor relaxation, and make rehab and daily life more manageable. In this episode, you will hear: * What pelvic health physical therapy is and how it differs from traditional PT * Why endometriosis is so often missed and underdiagnosed * Key red flags * How whole-person care addresses gut health, sleep, stress, movement, and the nervous system * The role of surgery and realistic recovery expectations * How CBD vaginal suppositories can support symptom relief and pelvic floor relaxation * Building a collaborative care team Resources from this Episode * Guest Instagram: @justbreathept, @tri_statepelvichealthsummit * https://www.justbreathept.com/ [https://www.justbreathept.com/] * https://www.tristatepelvichealthsummit.com/ [https://www.tristatepelvichealthsummit.com/] * medroots.com [http://medroots.com/] * https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36691911/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36691911/] * https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671947/#B39-jcm-12-07071 [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671947/#B39-jcm-12-07071] * https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165614724002153 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165614724002153] * https://endoexcellencecenter.com/how-cbd-oil-alleviates-endometriosis-discomfort/ [https://endoexcellencecenter.com/how-cbd-oil-alleviates-endometriosis-discomfort/] * https://endoexcellencecenter.com/the-benefits-of-cbd-oil-for-endometriosis-management [https://endoexcellencecenter.com/the-benefits-of-cbd-oil-for-endometriosis-management/] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pelvic-pain-unpacked-real-talk-about-pain-pleasure/id1847958029]. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com [https://emeraldcitypro.com/]. Let them know we sent you.

010: Your Pelvis Is a Part of You! A Conversation With Dr. Karyn Eilber, Urologist. IC and CBD

Pelvic health is often treated as something separate from the rest of the body, but as Dr. Karyn Eilber explains, that mindset can delay healing and leave many people feeling unheard. In this episode, we explore how chronic pelvic conditions like interstitial cystitis (IC) and pelvic floor dysfunction affect daily life, relationships, and overall wellness. Dr. Eilber shares background from her work as a urogynecologist and surgeon, where she treats conditions related to bladder health, pelvic floor function, sexual wellness, and menopause. Her goal is straightforward: to provide evidence-based pelvic, bladder, and women's health care that feels clear, thorough, and supportive, especially when you've spent years navigating a system that made it anything but. We discuss why IC can be difficult to diagnose, how chronic muscle tension develops over time, and why long-term healing often requires patience, consistency, and a combination of therapies rather than a single solution. A major focus of the conversation is CBD and cannabinoid-based therapies for pelvic wellness. Dr. Eilber explains how patient experiences first sparked her interest in CBD and how topical and vaginal products may support relaxation, pelvic muscle function, and overall comfort. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of chronic pelvic conditions, the role of integrative care, and why treating the pelvis as an important part of the whole body can change the way healing is approached. In this episode, you will hear: * Why the pelvic floor should be treated like any other part of the body * Interstitial cystitis and why diagnosis can take years * The connection between bladder symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction * CBD and cannabinoid therapies for pelvic wellness and intimacy * How chronic pelvic conditions affect relationships and daily life * The importance of combining physical therapy, supplements, and lifestyle changes * Breaking stigma and encouraging more honest conversations about women's health Resources from this Episode * Guest Instagram: @dreilber * Guest Website: https://www.karyneilbermd.com/ [https://www.karyneilbermd.com/] * https://www.karyneilbermd.com/ [https://www.karyneilbermd.com/] * https://femetry.com/ [https://femetry.com/] * https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10003465/#sec2-ijms-24-05055 [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10003465/#sec2-ijms-24-05055] * https://utahcanna.org/interstitial-cystitis/ [https://utahcanna.org/interstitial-cystitis/] * https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/458 [https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/458] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pelvic-pain-unpacked-real-talk-about-pain-pleasure/id1847958029]. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com [https://emeraldcitypro.com/]. Let them know we sent you.

009: Vulvodynia, Healing, and Finding Community with Mathilde Olstad

What starts as a conversation about pelvic health quickly becomes a discussion about identity, relationships, healing, and the importance of finally being heard. Our special guest is Mathilde Olstad, host of The World's Tightest Community podcast, who shares her personal journey navigating vulvodynia and how it reshaped nearly every aspect of her life. Mathilde shared how her symptoms appeared unexpectedly during a hopeful season of life and how difficult it was to understand what was happening when medical answers felt limited or dismissive. We explored the emotional and physical realities of living with chronic vulvovaginal discomfort, and she opened up about the role trauma, stress, and pelvic floor dysfunction may play in these conditions. Throughout the conversation, we discussed the larger gaps that still exist in women's healthcare, especially around sexual health conditions that remain highly misunderstood and under-discussed. Mathilde explained how discovering online support communities completely changed her outlook, helping her feel less isolated and eventually inspiring her to create a platform where others could access education, expert insights, and honest conversations. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of vulvodynia, the importance of self-advocacy, and why community can be such a critical part of recovery. More than anything, this conversation offers reassurance that even in the middle of uncertainty, there are resources, support systems, and reasons to remain hopeful. In this episode, you will hear: * The emotional impact of chronic vulvovaginal discomfort on relationships and identity * Medical dismissal and the challenges of finding effective treatment * Connections between trauma, stress, and pelvic health conditions * Hypertonic pelvic floor symptoms and treatment approaches * The importance of online support communities and patient advocacy * Breaking the stigma surrounding sexual health and women's wellness conversations Resources from this Episode * Mathilde's Instagram: @theworldstightestcommunity * Mathilde's Website: theworldstightestcommunity.com [http://theworldstightestcommunity.com] * https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7787394/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7787394/] * https://thevagwhisperer.com/2023/03/28/cbd-for-pelvic-floor-dysfunction/ [https://thevagwhisperer.com/2023/03/28/cbd-for-pelvic-floor-dysfunction/] * https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/14/12/1627 [https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/14/12/1627] * https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2021/05/06/its-still-very-taboo-how-medical-cannabis-helps-relieve-the-pain-of-vulvodynia/ [https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2021/05/06/its-still-very-taboo-how-medical-cannabis-helps-relieve-the-pain-of-vulvodynia/] * https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1553465021008955 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1553465021008955] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pelvic-pain-unpacked-real-talk-about-pain-pleasure/id1847958029]. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com [https://emeraldcitypro.com/]. Let them know we sent you.