Prostatitis syndromes: an update for urologic practice

OBJECTIVE: Five learning points will review and interpret the advances in the field of prostatitis that have occurred over the last decade. LEARNING POINT #1: The clinical syndrome of prostatitis and related conditions is one of the most common clinical encounters in urology. LEARNING POINT #2: The etiology/pathogenesis of the chronic prostatitis syndromes appears to be an inter-related, multifactorial cascade beginning with an initiating event and culminating with a chronic neuropathic state. LEARNING POINT #3: The NIH classification of the chronic prostatitis syndromes is appropriate for not only research studies but also routine clinical practice. LEARNING POINT #4: A careful evaluation of the lower urinary tract and a standardized assessment of symptoms is essential in the management of prostatitis patients. LEARNING POINT #5: A "best evidence-based" approach to the treatment of the prostatitis syndromes is possible.