Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Common Cause of Chronic Orchialgia

Abstract

Purpose: We determined the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) as an etiology for chronic orchialgia in a single tertiary care practice and characterized the presenting symptoms of chronic orchialgia patients with PFD. Materials and Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed for patients diagnosed with chronic orchialgia from 2016 to 2021 using CPT codes N50.82 (scrotal pain), N50.819 (testicle pain), and G89.29 (chronic pain in testicle). Patients with acute orchialgia (<3 months) were excluded. PFD was diagnosed on a 360-degree digital rectal examination when increased tone or pain to palpation of the levator ani muscle group was noted. Suspected etiology of the orchialgia and accompanying urinary, bowel, or sexual symptoms were recorded. Unpaired t-tests were used to determine significant associations while accounting for differences in sample size. Results: Of 136 patients with chronic orchialgia, the most common etiologies were classified as idiopathic (37.7%); prior surgery (32.1%); varicocele, hydrocele, or spermatocele (28.3%); PFD (17.6%); and postinfection (11.3%). Chronic orchialgia patients with PFD (n = 24) were significantly more likely to present with accompanying urinary (P < .01), bowel (P < .01), and sexual dysfunction (P = .04) symptoms. Orchialgia patients with PFD were more likely to report symptoms of functional obstruction, particularly urinary hesitancy (P < .01), constipation (P < .01), and painful ejaculation (P < .01), compared with patients without PFD. Conclusions: PFD was determined to be the etiology in 1 in 6 patients with chronic orchialgia. All patients presenting with chronic orchialgia and obstructive symptoms warrant a 360-degree rectal examination as part of their initial evaluation. IRB Protocol Number: 10677.