[Evaluation of symptoms in men with chronic pelvic pain]

According to the National Institutes of Health classification system, chronic non-bacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is subdivided into an inflammatory (category IIIa) and a non-inflammatory (category IIIb) form. The difference is based on the presence or absence of white blood cells in expressed prostatic secretions, urine after prostatic massage, or semen. This is the only criterion which allows a differentiation between the IIIa and IIIb forms. The symptoms, i.e. pain and urinary complaints of various degrees, are thought to be similar in both forms. These symptoms can be assessed with the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), which are both available in a validated German translation. One hundred and six patients with CPPS were evaluated with CPSI and IPSS. Urinary symptoms troubled all patients. Men with category IIIa had significantly more urinary symptoms when compared to men with category IIIb. There was no difference between the two groups regarding pain and impact on the quality of life. Although pain is thought to be the hallmark of CPPS, the contribution of urinary troubles to the symptoms must not be underestimated.