Chronic pelvic pain is a common, multifaceted presentation seen daily in primary and specialty care offices. While it is a more common presentation in women (15%-20%), it is also reported in 8% of men.
1 Chronic prostatitis (CP) or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is defined as urologic symptoms and/or pain or discomfort in the pelvic region.
2 Such syndromes may include epididymal pain syndrome, pelvic floor muscle pain, penile pain syndrome, postvasectomy pain syndrome, and prostate pain syndrome.
1 Presenting complaints of CP/CPPS may include penile, testicular, perineal, and lower abdominal pain; pain during or after ejaculation and/or urination; urinary frequency and urgency; sensation of incomplete emptying; and erectile dysfunction. Currently, there are no uniformly accepted treatment regimens, and the pathophysiologic process is not yet understood.
2,3