Patient education: Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (The Basics)

What is prostatitis? — Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate gland's job is to make some of the semen, the fluid that is released during sex. The prostate gland forms a ring around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the end of the penis (figure 1).

What is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome? — This is the term doctors use to describe 1 type of prostatitis. It is also called "CP/CPPS."

People with CP/CPPS have pain in the groin area. They can have other symptoms, too, such as pain with urination and problems with sex. "Chronic" means that symptoms last for at least 3 months, or go away and come back.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes CP/CPPS.

There is another type of prostatitis, called bacterial prostatitis. This is when symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection. CP/CPPS is not caused by bacteria.

What are the symptoms of CP/CPPS? — Symptoms can include:

●Pain when you urinate

●Feeling like you have to urinate much more often than normal

●Suddenly needing to urinate in a hurry

●Pain in or near the groin or genitals

●Pain or trouble with ejaculation

CP/CPPS does not cause a fever. If you have a fever, it's more likely that you have bacterial prostatitis.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor or nurse. They can figure out if your symptoms are caused by CP/CPPS or something else.

You should also call your doctor or nurse right away if you have:

●A lot of pain in your groin or genitals

●Trouble urinating

●Fever or chills

These symptoms might mean you have a problem other than CP/CPPS.

Is there a test for CP/CPPS? — No, there is no 1 test. Doctors diagnose CP/CPPS by checking for, and ruling out, infection and other conditions that might be causing a person's symptoms. This involves asking questions, doing an exam, and ordering tests.

Your doctor or nurse will test your urine for bacteria. This will tell them if your symptoms are related to a bacterial infection. They might also do a rectal exam, which involves putting a finger in your anus to feel your prostate.

If there is no bacteria in your urine, your doctor might do more tests. If they cannot find a clear cause for your symptoms, they might conclude that you have CP/CPPS.

How is CP/CPPS treated? — Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help with your symptoms. These might include medicines to help with pain, inflammation, and urination. If you have CP/CPPS, antibiotics will likely not help.

Although there is not a lot of evidence, some people also find that other things help, such as:

●Physical therapy – This involves working with a physical therapist who is trained in pelvic muscle issues. They can use special techniques to help you relax certain muscles.

●Cognitive behavioral therapy – This involves talking with a psychologist or counselor. They can help you learn ways to cope with your symptoms.

●Acupuncture – This is when someone who knows traditional Chinese medicine inserts tiny needles into your skin.

If none of the above treatments help, your doctor might recommend seeing a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in urinary problems.

More on this topic

Patient education: Bacterial prostatitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) (The Basics)

Patient education: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Beyond the Basics)