Differential Diagnosis for Persistent Lower Pelvic Tenderness in a 36-Year-Old Male
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Prostatitis: This is a common condition in men of this age group, characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland. It can cause persistent lower pelvic tenderness, pain, and discomfort, especially during urination or ejaculation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in women, men can also develop UTIs, which can cause pelvic pain and tenderness.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm, can cause pain and tenderness in the lower pelvic area.
- Orchitis: Inflammation of one or both testicles, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, can lead to pelvic pain and tenderness.
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Conditions like piriformis syndrome or strain in the pelvic muscles can cause referred pain to the lower pelvic area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular Torsion: A medical emergency where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It requires immediate attention to save the testicle.
- Appendicitis: Although the appendix is typically located in the right lower quadrant, an inflamed appendix can sometimes cause referred pain to the lower pelvic area, especially if it is retrocecal (located behind the cecum).
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of a diverticulum in the colon can cause severe abdominal pain, which may be referred to the lower pelvic area.
Rare Diagnoses
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A condition characterized by chronic pain in the pelvic region, often without a clear cause, which can be challenging to diagnose and treat.
- Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): A type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to a bacterial infection, often causing symptoms like pelvic pain, urethritis, and conjunctivitis.
- Pelvic Fracture: Although less common in the absence of trauma, a stress fracture or an occult fracture in the pelvic bones could cause persistent tenderness.