top of page

BackTable / Urology / Podcast / Episode #291

Pelvic Pain Syndromes: Clinical Assessment & Strategies

with Dr. Susan MacDonald, Dr. George Koch

What do the 2025 AUA guidelines change about how we evaluate and manage chronic male pelvic pain? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Susan MacDonald (Penn State) joins host Dr. George Koch (Ohio State University) to break down the new American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines on chronic male pelvic pain, including chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic scrotal content pain.

Be part of the conversation. Put your sponsored messaging on this episode. Learn how.

Pelvic Pain Syndromes: Clinical Assessment & Strategies with Dr. Susan MacDonald, Dr. George Koch on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Ep 291 Pelvic Pain Syndromes: Clinical Assessment & Strategies with Dr. Susan MacDonald, Dr. George Koch
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2026, February 24). Ep. 291 – Pelvic Pain Syndromes: Clinical Assessment & Strategies [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

Stay Up To Date

Follow:

Subscribe:

Sign Up:

Podcast Contributors

Dr. George Koch on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Dr. George Koch is a urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical center in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Susan MacDonald on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Dr. Susan MacDonald is a urologist and Associate Professor at Penn State in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Synopsis

They review a structured approach from initial evaluation and physical examination to pain management. The discussion outlines an evidence-informed, multimodal management framework incorporating medications, pelvic floor physical therapy, behavioral health interventions, neuromodulators, and selective procedural strategies, with an emphasis on realistic expectation setting in this complex patient population.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
01:41 - Path to Chronic Pelvic Pain Work
08:19 - Getting Involved with the AUA
13:02 - Developing Guidelines
19:56 - Initial Patient Evaluation
27:11 - Setting Expectations
32:05 - Making the Diagnosis
35:17 - Success Rates and Counseling Patients
39:51 - Central Sensitization
44:31 - Physical Exam Recommendations
49:26 - Non-Pharmacologic Options
54:38 - Follow Up Cadence
01:02:24 - Chronic Scrotal Pain vs CPPS
01:08:26 - Conclusion

Resources

Diagnosis and Management of Male Chronic Pelvic Pain (Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Chronic Scrotal Content Pain): AUA Guideline (2025)
https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/male-chronic-pelvic-pain

The Materials available on BackTable are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the independent professional judgment of a qualified healthcare professional in diagnosing or treating patients. Any opinions, statements, or views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, platform, or any affiliated organization.

backtable-plus-vi-cta.jpg
Become a BackTable Sponsor

Up Next

Antibiotic Stewardship in Reconstructive Urology  with Dr. Joshua Sterling, Dr. George Koch on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Guide to Vaginal Rejuvenation: Myths, Realities & Medical Insights with Dr. Karyn Eilber, Dr. Ariana Smith, Dr. Nirit Rosenblum on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Understanding Medical Waste Management in Operating Rooms with Dr. Sunil Patel, Dr. Ruchika Talwar on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Fournier's Gangrene Management: Timing, Transfers & Best Practices with Dr. Judith C. Hagedorn, Dr. George Koch on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Managing Ischemic Priapism: Surgical Approaches & Outcomes with Dr. Maia VanDyke, Dr. Juan Andino on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Optimizing Bladder Health in BPH Treatment Strategies with Dr. Shawn West, Dr. Jose Silva on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Articles

Topics

Get in touch!

We want to hear from you. Let us know if you’re interested in partnering with BackTable as a Podcast guest, a sponsor, or as a member of the BackTable Team.

bottom of page