The Effects of Microwave Thermotherapy for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Purpose: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) causes pain and urinary symptoms that involve the prostate and/or other parts of the male. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of medication and microwave thermotherapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 132 patients with CP/CPPS for at least 3 months were assigned to one of the three study groups (group A: medication; group B: thermotherapy; group C: combination therapy). The NIH-CPSI was recorded at baseline, and at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 post-therapy. EPS was evaluated, and semen analysis was performed to assess the changes in prostatic inflammation. Moreover, patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed. Results: Comparisons between groups A and B, as well as between groups B and C showed no significant changes in pain, quality of life, and total scores. At week 12, group C, when compared with group A, had a significantly improved voiding score (4.19±3.02 vs. 2.71±2.30, p=0.019) and EPS (12.47±15.91 vs. 3.73±4.82, p=0.003). At week 4, the patient satisfaction score in group C was significantly different from that in other groups (p=0.043), but there was no difference at week 12 (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in laboratory test results, PSA, and prostate volume between the three groups at baseline and week 12. Complications of thermotherapy resolved with conservative management. Conclusions: Our results showed that a combination of medication and thermotherapy improved NIH-CPSI and patient satisfaction in CP/CPPS more than medication alone. We suggested that thermotherapy could be another treatment option for CP/CPPS.