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Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men: Is it chronic prostatitis?

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Abstract

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is not well understood. The mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology have yet to be fully elucidated. Men with CP/CPPS suffer from symptoms that may not necessarily be linked to concurrent prostate involvement. Recent literature embraces the notion that symptoms may result from complex interactions, and studies have looked at other disease syndromes in an attempt to reveal the etiology of the disease. The title of this article suggests an organcentric etiology to explain symptoms of patients with this disorder, but this does not seem to be the case. In an attempt to answer the question, this article examines possible etiologies for CP/CPPS in which the prostate may be involved and discusses evaluation strategies for patients with CP/CPPS. It seems, however, that instead of limiting our focus to the prostate, a multisystem approach to discovery and symptom control would further improve patient care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Temple University School of Medicine, 3401 North Broad Street, Zone C, Suite 330, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA

    Michel A. Pontari

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  1. Raymond M. Bernal
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  2. Michel A. Pontari
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Correspondence to Michel A. Pontari.

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Bernal, R.M., Pontari, M.A. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men: Is it chronic prostatitis?. Curr Urol Rep 10, 295–301 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-009-0048-1

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