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Prostatitis - nonbacterial - chronic - Overview

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:

Bacteria
Fungi
Irritation caused by a backup of urine flowing into the prostate
Parasites (trichomonads)
Viruses
Chemicals
Nerve disorder involving the lower urinary tract
Problems with toilet training
Sexual abuse

Life stresses and some psychological factors may also contribute.

Most patients with chronic prostatitis have the nonbacterial form.

Male reproductive anatomy

Reviewed last on: 9/30/2009
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.

References

Nickel JC. Inflammatory conditions of the male genitourinary tract: Prostatitis and related conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 9.

Barry MJ, McNaughton-Collins M. Benign prostate disease and prostatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 130.

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