The Pelvic Pain Clinic

09/01/2026

Latest podcast: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

This episode is based on patient wisdom — the real-life insights my patients share in clinic that can genuinely shift recovery.

If you’re living with male pelvic pain, it’s incredibly common to start avoiding activities: sitting, cycling, exercise, socialising, intimacy… and slowly, life shrinks. In this podcast, we explore how to run a simple cost–benefit analysis (in a way that actually makes sense), and how to rebuild evidence of safety through small, realistic steps.

I’m Karl Monahan from Pelvic Pain Matters. These are short, practical 15-minute episodes built from clinical experience, patient stories, and what works in real recovery.
What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why avoidance makes life smaller (and often keeps symptoms louder)
✅ The question that reframes fear: “Is the juice worth the squeeze?”
✅ How to build evidence of safety (instead of evidence of danger)
✅ Real examples from “Jake”: sitting pain, gym bench, chair triggers, lap pressure, sauna/steam
✅ How to use graded exposure (small, paced, achievable steps) to reclaim meaningful activities
✅ Why “dosage” matters: doing the right thing in the right amount

Is the juice worth the squeeze?This episode is based on patient wisdom — the real-life insights my patients share in clinic that can genuinely shift recovery...

09/01/2026

Is the juice worth the squeeze? This episode is based on patient wisdom — the real-life insights my patients share in clinic that can genuinely shift recovery. If you’re living with male pelvic pain, it’s incredibly common to start avoiding activities: sitting, cycling, exercise, socialising, ...

19/12/2025

We often think dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical — but there are other sides to Dopamine that plays a powerful role in male pelvic pain. In this episode of my Friday Takeaway series, we look beyond the pelvic floor again… this time diving even deeper into dopamine and its role in this com...

19/12/2025

Here is todays Friday Takeaway Episode of the pelvic pain natters podcast. Part 3 of the deep dive into dopamine and its role in male pelvic pain and prostatitis.
I would love to know your thoughts and reflections on this episode.

We often think dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical — but there are other sides to Dopamine that plays a powerful role in male pelvic pain.In this episode of...

15/12/2025

Next episode of the pelvic pain natters podcast. This is the 2nd dose of Dopamine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGIljNxHQnc&t=3s

We often think dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical — but there’s a darker side that plays a powerful role in male pelvic pain.
In this episode of my Friday Takeaway series, we look beyond the pelvic floor again… this time diving into how anticipation, fear, scanning, and craving for relief can reinforce pain cycles and keep your system stuck in protection mode.
I’m Karl Monahan, founder of Pelvic Pain Matters, clinical director of The Pelvic Pain Clinic… and someone who has lived through chronic pelvic pain myself. I get how consuming and frightening these patterns can become.
🔍 In this episode, we explore:
✔ Why dopamine drives anticipation and pain prediction
✔ “Scanning” behaviours: checking symptoms on waking
✔ Fear before sitting, s*x, or activity — and how that fuels pain
✔ Why hope can become stressful when it hangs on outcomes
✔ Understanding pain as a processing problem, not “in your head”
✔ Practical strategies to dial down urgency and create space to recover
✔ How to replace fear-driven habits with safety-driven curiosity
When we begin to understand the brain–body cycle, everything starts to make more sense — and recovery becomes more possible.

💬 Chat to Me
Do you recognise these patterns?
How does anticipation or scanning show up in your day?
Share in the comments — your insight might help someone else.

We often think dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical — but there’s a darker side that plays a powerful role in male pelvic pain.In this episode of my Friday T...

12/12/2025

We often think dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical — but there’s a darker side that plays a powerful role in male pelvic pain. In this episode of my Friday Takeaway series, we look beyond the pelvic floor again… this time diving into how anticipation, fear, scanning, and craving for relie...

02/12/2025

We have a new podcast episode available for you to listen to right here. Listen all the way to the end to hear of a new and exciting project for Pelvic Pain Matters too

Dopamine, male pelvic pain, and why “it ain’t what you do – it’s the way that you do it.”In this Friday Takeaway episode, I explore the darker side of dopami...

18/11/2025

This week is antibiotic awareness week. Did you know that??
This is a short video from my colleague and former patient David discussing the role of antibiotics in the treatment of Prostatitis.
Is it time for a change?????

In recognition of Antibiotic Awareness Week, David from Pelvic Pain Matters shares an honest and eye-opening account of his 8-year journey with prostatitis/C...

06/10/2025

Have you taken Fluoroquinolones for the treatment of CPPS/CP? Your help is needed to reach 100 responses in our survey..
18-24 November 2025 marks World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week — a global effort to raise awareness about the impact of antimicrobial resistance on health and treatment outcomes.

We must also acknowledge the real-world consequences of antibiotic side effects, particularly in the treatment of CPPS and prostatitis. The side effects of antibiotics like fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin) can be severe and sometimes life-altering.

Here’s where you come in:

We’re running a short, anonymous survey to gather real-world data on how these antibiotics impact those living with chronic pelvic pain.

Your voice matters. Every response is a step closer to better, safer patient care

I am looking for 100 responses please gents. So far, I have had 44. Can we make this 100???

🔗 Click the link to take the survey -
[https://lnkd.in/e-9xRMm8](https://lnkd.in/e-9xRMm8)

Together, we can make a difference in the global fight against AMR and help shape safer practices for treating chronic conditions.

02/10/2025

How much is CPPS/Prostatitis holding you back in life?

On Friday 10th October at 9.30am BST I am hosting a live Q&A with a former patient where you can ask him anything you like about his recovery!

This has never been done before, anywhere for male pelvic pain...

This is the first of many events we will now be hosting, bringing you hope, optimism and a chance to connect with others in the same boat as you.

🔔 Don’t give up.

So many people feel like recovery is impossible — but it’s not. Join this free event to learn, ask questions, and hear from someone who made it through.

👉 Register here -
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3717591423710/WN_B7RzMOZwQRS2UQjbTZhLaA

30/09/2025

How easy is it to lose faith when dealing with chronic pelvic pain? To think "I'm never going to recover from this. This is just my life now."
We get it. We've been there.
That's why we're hosting a completely free live event with a former patient who's come out the other side.
Friday, 10th October at 9:30 AM (London time)
He will share his recovery journey and answer your questions live. No sales pitch. Just real talk from someone who truly understands what you're going through.
REGISTER HERE - https://us02web.zoom.us/.../291.../WN_B7RzMOZwQRS2UQjbTZhLaA
Recovery is possible. We know because we've done it!

29/09/2025

Are you or someone you know struggling with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) or chronic prostatitis? Feeling stuck and unsure where to turn? You’re invited to a completely free live event designed to bring hope, clarity, and real-world answers.
On Friday, 10th October at 9:30 AM (London time), join Karl Monahan, men’s pelvic health specialist and co-founder of Pelvic Pain Matters, for a powerful live session where you'll hear directly from not one — but two former patients who have recovered from CPPS.
________________________________________
🧠 What You’ll Learn
✅ The lived experience of recovery from chronic pelvic pain
✅ What worked — and what didn’t — on the path to healing
✅ Your chance to ask questions live or submit them in advance
✅ Hosted by Karl Monahan, alongside recovered patients David and another guest
________________________________________
🗓️ Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, 10th October
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM (London, UK Time)
💬 Where: Online (link below)
🎟️ Cost: 100% Free
This event is for men living with pelvic pain, prostatitis, or unexplained urogenital symptoms who are looking for real answers from those who’ve been through it — and come out the other side.
Sign up for the event here - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2917591424854/WN_B7RzMOZwQRS2UQjbTZhLaA

Check out this video for more info.

Join Jensen live as he shares his personal journey from debilitating chronic pelvic pain to complete recovery. Learn how he overcame CPPS and reclaimed his life after feeling hopeless. This free session includes a live Q&A where you can ask questions directly to someone who truly understands your st...