Acupuncture reduces chronic prostatitis pain

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by pelvic or perineal pain. Pain can be present in the perineum, testicles, tip of penis, pubic or bladder area, abdomen, constant burning pain in the penis. Pain may radiate to the back and rectum, making sitting uncomfortable. Pain may be present when urinate or after ejaculation. This condition is different from bacterial prostatitis or bacterial bladder infection. Antibiotics are not effective.

How to treat this condition remains challenging. Recent review has found the acupuncture reduces pain of non bacterial chronic prostatitis. In this study, non-pharmacological interventions for treating chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome was analysed. Data from 3290 men with CP/CPPS were collected and analysed. Acupuncture was found to reduce CP/CPPS pain effectively with few side effects. Life style changing, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and physical activities can help reduce the pain.