Introduction and Aim of the Book

Abstract

Prostatitis is one of the most common illnesses in young men with different clinical presentation such as pelvic pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, or sexual dysfunction and a high impact on their quality of life. The management of prostatitis patients is still today a challenge for the urologist, andrologist, and the general practitioner. The recent acquisitions in terms of epidemiological data and the latest classification from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have triggered a better management of the prostatitis patient. However, there are holes in our knowledge about the pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and causative pathogens which can make it difficult to find the best treatment for our patients. The need for an improved knowledge is demonstrated by the high number of patients who drop out from scheduled treatments and are lost to follow-up. At the same time, we see a high number of new drugs and phythotherapeutic compounds being introduced in the pharmacopeia and on the market. The situation calls for a standardization of the management of prostatitis patients. On this background, the idea was born to bring together experts in the field to give an update on current knowledge and share practical advices on the management of prostatitis patients. This book aims to provide a comprehensive description of prostatitis, from diagnosis till therapy. This book will be the first handbook addressing all clinical aspects of the prostatitis syndrome and providing the reader with all necessary information to design a tailored therapy. Furthermore, the editors aim to analyze and discuss all relevant clinical implications of the disease, in particular andrological complications (infertility), the possible link between prostatitis and prostate cancer, and infectious complications of prostate biopsies. The final section (questions and answers) is a practical manual for quick consultation in everyday clinical practice. We pay special attention to contemporary aspects of prostatitis related to antibiotic stewardship and elevated PSA: “thoughtless treatment of prostatitis is malpractice, sometimes even a forensic issue.” We believe this book will be the first true practical guide for physicians who are involved in diagnostic work-up and treatment of patients suspected of having the prostatitis syndrome. However, it will also serve as a convenient consultancy guide for all physicians who occasionally see prostatitis patients.