Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Prevalence, risk factors, treatment patterns, and socioeconomic impact

Abstract

Type III prostatitis (chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is the most common form of prostatitis, accounting for 8% to 15% of urology outpatient office visits. Symptoms, including pain in the perineum, suprapubic region, testicles, or tip of the penis, are often exacerbated by urination or ejaculation. Currently available therapies have limited effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms. Further, there is an unexplained association between type III prostatitis and other unexplained somatic symptoms. Due to its high prevalence and lack of effective therapies, direct and indirect costs associated with type III prostatitis are substantial.