Bruxism, Pelvic Pain, Erectile Dysfunction, and Anxiety in Young Adult Men
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Questionnaire and Physical Exam.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Bruxism, Pelvic Pain, Myofascial Pain - Dysfunction Syndrome of TMJ, Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome. Basic parameters: 18 years — 30 years · Male.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Bruxism and Pelvic Pain, Erectile Dysfunction, and Anxiety in Young Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
Overview
Bruxism is a parafunctional activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth during wakefulness or sleep. Increasing evidence suggests that bruxism is not only related to orofacial structures but may also be associated with broader musculoskeletal and psychosocial conditions. Emerging literature indicates that central sensitization, stress, and anxiety may contribute to both bruxism and chronic pain conditions. However, the potential relationship between bruxism and pelvic health outcomes has not been sufficiently investigated. Pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, are multifactorial conditions that may involve neuromuscular, psychological, and autonomic mechanisms. Considering the shared mechanisms related to muscle hyperactivity, stress responses, and central pain modulation, bruxism may be associated with pelvic pain symptoms and sexual dysfunction in men. Additionally, anxiety is recognized as a common contributing factor in both bruxism and pelvic floor dysfunction. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between bruxism, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and anxiety levels in young adult men. Participants will be assessed using validated self-report questionnaires to evaluate bruxism symptoms, pelvic pain complaints, erectile function, and anxiety levels. Understanding the potential relationship between these variables may contribute to a more comprehensive biopsychosocial understanding of male pelvic health and may help guide future multidisciplinary assessment and management strategies.
Detailed description
Bruxism has been linked with stress, anxiety, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and central sensitization processes. These mechanisms may also play a role in the development and maintenance of chronic pain conditions beyond the orofacial region.
Pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction, are complex conditions with multifactorial etiologies involving musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, and psychosocial factors. Increasing evidence suggests that pelvic floor muscle overactivity, stress-related autonomic responses, and psychological distress may contribute to pelvic pain syndromes and sexual dysfunction. Anxiety, in particular, has been identified as an important factor influencing both pelvic floor muscle tension and erectile function.
Given that bruxism is associated with muscle hyperactivity, stress responses, and psychological factors, it is plausible that individuals with bruxism may also experience symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction. However, the potential relationship between bruxism and male pelvic health outcomes, such as pelvic pain and erectile dysfunction, has not been sufficiently investigated in the literature. Understanding whether bruxism is associated with pelvic symptoms may provide insight into shared neuromuscular or biopsychosocial mechanisms.
The primary aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between bruxism and pelvic pain in young adult men. Secondary aims include examining the relationship between bruxism and erectile dysfunction as well as anxiety levels. Participants will be young adult men recruited from the general population. Bruxism status will be assessed using validated self-report measures consistent with current international consensus definitions of probable bruxism. Pelvic pain symptoms, erectile function, and anxiety levels will be evaluated using validated questionnaires.
Statistical analyses will be conducted to examine the relationships between bruxism and pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and anxiety. Correlation and group comparison analyses will be used to explore potential associations between these variables. The findings of this study may contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between orofacial parafunctional activities and pelvic health outcomes. Identifying potential links between bruxism and pelvic floor-related symptoms may help support a multidisciplinary perspective in the assessment and management of men presenting with pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction.
Interventions
- Diagnostic test Questionnaire and Physical Exam
20 mins questionnaire survey
Primary outcome measures
- Bruxism Assessment [Time frame: 6 months]
- Jaw Function Assessment [Time frame: 6 months]
- Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Symptoms [Time frame: 6 months]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Impact of Pelvic Pain on Daily Life [Time frame: 6 months]
- Sexual Function Assessment [Time frame: 6 months]
- Anxiety Assessment [Time frame: 6 months]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Male participants aged 18-30 years
Ability to understand and complete the questionnaires
Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
For the bruxism group: self-reported symptoms of teeth clenching or grinding during sleep or wakefulness within the past 6 months
Exclusion criteria
History of neurological disorders affecting motor function
Diagnosed psychiatric disorders requiring active treatment
Current use of medications that may affect sexual function
History of pelvic surgery
Known urological diseases affecting erectile function
Chronic systemic diseases that may influence pain perception
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Necmettin Erbakan University — Konya
Publications
- Romero-Reyes M, Bassiur JP. Temporomandibular Disorders, Bruxism and Headaches. Neurol Clin. 2024 May;42(2):573-584. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.12.010. Epub 2024 Jan 13. PMID 38575267
- Woolf CJ. Central sensitization: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain. 2011 Mar;152(3 Suppl):S2-S15. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.09.030. Epub 2010 Oct 18. PMID 20961685
- Fluerasu MI, Bocsan IC, Tig IA, Iacob SM, Popa D, Buduru S. The Epidemiology of Bruxism in Relation to Psychological Factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 8;19(2):691. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19020691. PMID 35055514
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07469345 · 28685