Chronic prostatitis is a condition of the lower genitourinary tract in men that is generally thought not to be infectious, but rather inflammatory or noninflammatory. Also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, it is the most common type of prostatitis in men under 50, and it may be nonprogressive or recurrent. It is thought to affect around 2%-10% of all adult males. The exact etiology is unknown. Chronic prostatitis often causes voiding dysfunction (eg, dysuria, urinary frequency, retention) and pelvic pain. Signs and symptoms also include lower abdominal pain, orchidalgia, and painful ejaculation. It may be associated with erectile dysfunction and infertility.

Treatments include sitz baths, lifestyle modifications (eg, limiting caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods), avoidance of physical activities that exacerbate symptoms (eg, bicycling, extended sitting), antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and alpha blockers. Newer therapies are under study.