Pelvic pain in men can be caused by a variety of conditions. It is important to look at accompanying symptoms other than pain, which can help make the correct diagnosis. Some conditions that can cause pelvic pain in men are: Hernia Hernia occurs when a tissue, organ or part of an organ protrudes due to a defect in the muscle wall. The most common type is an inguinal hernia, which occurs when part of the intestine passes through a defect in the abdominal wall and inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias often affect men. In the presence of an inguinal hernia, a painful lump is felt in the lower abdomen or groin. The lump disappears when lying down. Hernias cause a dull pain in the pelvis and other symptoms include – a feeling of discomfort; worsening pain that is felt during coughing, laughing, bending over; a bump that slowly grows. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the functioning of the colon. The exact cause of the condition is not clear, but it may be related to problems with the intestinal muscles, the bacteria in the gut, or the nervous system. Irritable bowel syndrome causes problems in the digestive system, including pelvic and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include – cramps; diarrhea, constipation, or both; bloating; gases; white mucus in the stool. Appendicitis The appendix is ​​a small tube-like organ that is attached to the large intestine. It is located on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that can cause severe pelvic pain that often starts in the belly button area and then moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. Usually the pain gets worse, especially when you cough or sneeze. Appendicitis requires emergency care, other characteristic symptoms include -loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, low-grade fever (temperature rise not exceeding 37.8), inability to pass gases. Urinary tract stones Urinary tract stones are mineral deposits that develop in the urinary tract. They can form in the kidneys or in the bladder. Kidney and bladder stones don’t always cause symptoms, but they can cause pelvic pain if they move. Symptoms include – severe pain on one side of the waist, in the abdomen, in the groin area or genitals (for kidney stones); painful urination; frequent urination; blood in the urine; cloudy, dark urine. Bibliography: Montgomery L, et al. (n.d.). Chronic pelvic pain in men. Hodge BD, et al. (2019). Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, appendix.