Alternative Names
NBP; Prostatodynia; Pelvic pain syndrome; CPPS; Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis; Chronic genitourinary pain
Definition of Prostatitis – nonbacterial – chronic
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is long-term pain and urinary symptoms that involve the prostate gland or other parts of a man’s lower urinary tract or genital area. This condition is not caused by bacterial infection.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Possible risk factors for nonbacterial prostatitis include:
Signs and tests
A physical examination usually will not show anything unusual. However, the prostate may be swollen, soft or firm, warm, and tender.
Treatment
Treatment for nonbacterial prostatitis is difficult. The goal is to control symptoms, because a cure is difficult to achieve.
Expectations (prognosis)
Many patients respond to treatment. However, others do not get relief even after many attempts at treatment. Symptoms often come back after treatment, and may eventually not be treatable.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/30/2009
