Why sitting can make symptoms worse

Chronic prostatitis, pelvic pain, and testicular pain (orchalgia) are often aggravated by pressure on the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus). Prolonged sitting, especially on firm chairs, car seats, or exercise equipment, can increase discomfort by compressing sensitive nerves and pelvic floor muscles.
A properly chosen seat cushion can help reduce pressure, improve comfort, and make daily activities more tolerable.

How a seat cushion can help

A seat cushion designed for pelvic or prostate comfort works by offloading pressure from the perineum, improving weight distribution across the hips and thighs, reducing irritation of pelvic nerves, and making prolonged sitting more tolerable at work, in the car, or while traveling.
Many patients notice meaningful symptom relief when cushions are used consistently.

What type of cushion works best

Not all cushions are helpful. We generally recommend cushions with a center cut-out or U-shaped opening to reduce direct pressure on the prostate and pelvic floor. These are often marketed as prostate, coccyx, or pelvic pain cushions.

The cushion should be firm but supportive. Cushions that are too soft may compress completely and fail to relieve pressure, while overly hard cushions can be uncomfortable and ineffective. A stable, non-slip base is especially important for car seats and office chairs.

We recommend avoiding flat gel pads or standard memory foam cushions without a cut-out, as these often do not adequately relieve perineal pressure.

These cushions are widely available and can be purchased online or at most medical supply stores.

When to use the cushion

Use the cushion at work or home when sitting for more than 15 to 20 minutes, during long car rides or flights, on hard chairs or benches, and during symptom flares.
You do not need to sit on the cushion all day. Many patients use it strategically during longer periods of sitting.

What a cushion will not do

A seat cushion is a supportive tool, not a cure. It will not treat infection, replace medications, pelvic floor therapy, or other treatments, or eliminate symptoms overnight. It works best as part of a broader treatment plan.

Additional tips that help

Take standing or walking breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid prolonged cycling or spinning during symptom flares. Maintain good posture when sitting. Follow your provider’s recommendations for medications or pelvic floor physical therapy.

When to call your provider

Contact our office if pain is worsening or spreading, you develop fever, chills, or new urinary symptoms, or pain persists despite conservative measures.

Bottom line

For many patients with prostatitis or testicular pain, a properly designed seat cushion is a simple, low-risk way to reduce discomfort during daily activities. Used consistently, it can significantly improve quality of life.