Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain in men: aetiology, diagnosis and management

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Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain in men: aetiology, diagnosis and management

Luzzi et al., 2002 | J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol | Systematic Review

Citation

Luzzi G A. Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain in men: aetiology, diagnosis and management. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2002-May;16(3):253-6

Abstract

Patients with chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome typically report genital or pelvic pain (in or around the penis, perineum, scrotum) lasting > 3 months. Whereas true chronic bacterial prostatitis is an uncommon condition characterised by recurrent prostatic and urinary infection, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a common condition in which no infection is found. Recent surveys suggest a prevalence of 2.5-3% for CPPS. The four-glass test, traditionally used to distinguish inflammatory and inflammatory forms of CPPS, has not been adequately validated; whether the distinction is clinically meaningful is increasingly questioned. The aetiology of CPPS is not known; urodynamic studies imply a neuromuscular origin. More recent work supports a role for proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis. In the management of chronic bacterial prostatitis, trials support the use of quinolone antibiotics as first-line treatment. In contrast, the management of CPPS is generally unsatisfactory, as no reliable treatment has been identified. Treatments commonly tried include antibiotics (notably tetracyclines, quinolones and macrolides), anti-inflammatory agents, and alpha blockers. Newer approaches include trials of finasteride, quercetin and rofecoxib. A recent systematic review demonstrated that none of the current diagnostic and treatment methods for CPPS is supported by a robust evidence base.

Key Findings

A recent systematic review demonstrated that none of the current diagnostic and treatment methods for CPPS is supported by a robust evidence base.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population chronic prostatitis
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Finasteride
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Prostatitis
  • Quercetin
  • Syndrome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

  • PMID: 12195565
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09