Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Prostatitis)

causes, symptoms & treatments

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis, also known as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, is the inflammation or swelling of the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder in men. The prostate gland plays a role in the male reproductive system by producing some of the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

There are different types of prostatitis, and they can have various causes:

  1. Acute bacterial prostatitis: This type is caused by a bacterial infection and usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms may include fever, chills, pain in the lower back and genital area, urinary frequency and urgency, and pain or burning during urination.

  2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis: This form is characterised by recurrent urinary tract infections in men. It may not cause as severe symptoms as acute bacterial prostatitis but can be persistent.

  3. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): This is the most common form of prostatitis. It is not caused by bacteria, and its exact cause is often unknown. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, discomfort during urination, and sexual dysfunction.

  4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: This type is typically diagnosed incidentally when a patient undergoes tests for other reasons, as there are usually no noticeable symptoms.


Common symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain include:

  1. Pelvic Pain: Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that persists for an extended period.

  2. Discomfort During Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).

  3. Painful Urination: Discomfort or pain while urinating.

  4. Painful Menstruation: Women with chronic pelvic pain may experience increased discomfort during menstruation.

  5. Painful Bowel Movements: Discomfort or pain during bowel movements.

  6. Urinary Urgency and Frequency: Increased urgency to urinate and more frequent urination.

  7. Pain in the Lower Back: Some individuals may experience lower back pain associated with chronic pelvic pain.

  8. Pain in the Pelvic Floor Muscles: Tenderness or pain in the muscles of the pelvic floor.

  9. Emotional Distress: Chronic pelvic pain can have psychological effects, leading to stress, anxiety, or depression.

It's important to note that chronic pelvic pain can be caused by various conditions, including endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and others

What are the symptoms?

If you suspect you have prostatitis or are experiencing symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Focused Shockwave Therapy is a safe and clinically proven treatment for the most common type of CPPS. The treatment is drug-free, non-invasive, and has a high rate of success in treating symptoms.