Causes of Aches in the Prostate

The prostate is a male reproductive gland responsible for manufacturing all the components of semen, with the exception of sperm cells. The prostate is situated inferior to the bladder and posterior to the urethra, which is approximately in the middle of the pelvis. Achy prostate pain in this region can be caused by a variety of factors, most of which are not cause for serious concern.

Dietary Causes

Common causes of prostate ache and discomfort, although not widely recognized, are dietary factors, according to Dr. Peter Scardino. Stimulants, such as caffeine and alcohol, commonly cause glandular symptoms. In the prostate, long-term consumption of coffee, tea, chocolate, beer or wine can cause:

• achy pain
  
• as well as stabbing pain
  
• spasms
  
• twitching sensations

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol for about two weeks should eliminate the ache in the prostate if that is the cause.

Sexual Activity Levels

Causes of Prostate Pain When Sitting

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Because the prostate is responsible for producing ejaculate, under-working it or overworking it can produce pain, as noted by WrongDiagnosis.com 2. Even with a healthy prostate, ejaculating more than once daily can create discomfort. Conversely, not ejaculating for weeks at a time can cause a build-up of pressure or stagnation in the prostate that can lead to achy pain, which is why doctors often recommend an increase in sexual activity to men experiencing prostate symptoms.

Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hypertrophy, is very common in men, especially in men older than 40 years of age. However, MayoClinic.com reminds us that only about 50 percent of U.S. men with enlarged prostates experience noticeable symptoms. Achy pain is unlikely to be felt until the latter stages of hypertrophy and may not be felt at all.

Prostate Infections

What Are the Causes of Painful Ejaculation?

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A prostate infection, or prostatitis, is the most likely pathological condition to cause pain in the prostate. As “Professional Guide to Diseases” notes, a prostate infection can cause:

• deep
  
• achy pain within the pelvis
  
• making sitting
  
• urinating
  
• ejaculating very uncomfortable 4

The pain of the infection is usually accompanied by pus or blood in the urine.

Prostate Cancer

The National Cancer Institute reports that about 16 percent of U.S. men are diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes 5. Although prostate cancer is slow growing, pain becomes more likely to be felt as the cancer progresses. Pain can occur in the prostate itself, ranging from burning to achy in nature, typically with urination or ejaculation 2. Achy pain can also refer from the cancerous prostate to the low back and hips.