Etiology and management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men

Prostatitis results in >2 million physician office visits annually. Characterized by pelvic pain and voiding symptoms, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is poorly defined. The Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network (CPCRN) has put forward a uniform set of classifications for chronic prostatitis based on pain being the primary symptom. The CPCRN has also created a valid instrument for measuring symptoms: the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. After nonbacterial prostatitis has been diagnosed, treatment of patients should be individualized. The condition may be caused by bladder, prostate, pelvic side wall, or seminal vesicle pathology. In addition to currently used treatments, several new therapies are being investigated after promising pilot studies. Despite the multiple approaches to management of CPPS, no hard and fast guidelines have been developed. This review provides an overview of assessment techniques and management options for men with CPPS.