Symptoms, sexual dysfunction and psychological burden in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

The etiology of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is unknown, which might associate with substantial morbidity and a greatly reduced quality of life (QOL), and significant healthcare cost. In this study, we investigated the symptoms, psychological burden and sexual dysfunction in men with chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome. A cross-sectional and multicenter survey was conducted from July 2012 to January 2014. Male participants were recruited from urology clinics in five cities in China. Patients were asked to participate the survey by completing a verbal questionnaire, which consisted of social-demographics, sexual history, expressed prostatic secretions evaluation and score of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIHCPSI). Finally, a total of 1,280 men completed the survey. The incidences of CP/CPPS type III a and III b in men with CP/CPPS (N=801) were 31.71% and 68.29%, respectively. Significantly differences on NIH-CPSI scores, and the incidence of psychological burden and sexual dysfunction were observed between CP/CPPS and control groups. Similarly, men with the CP/CPPS type III a vs. type III b reported higher scores of NIH-CPSI, and higher incidence of psychological burden and sexual dysfunction (P<0.001 for all). Logistic regression analyses showed that CP/ CPPS was significantly associated with NIH-CPSI scores, including total scores >20, pain symptoms >10, urinary symptoms and QOL impact. In addition, CP/CPPS associated with psychological burden (Anxiety; Depression; Loss of sleep; Decline in memory and sexual dysfunction (PE; ED; Decline in sexual desire). In conclusion, CP/CPPS was significantly associated with NIH-CPSI, psychological burden and sexual dysfunction.