Positive Health Online

Abstract

CHEN and NICKEL, Trillium Medical Center, Acupuncture Foundation of Canada, Mississaauga, Ontario, Canada, have found that acupuncture ameliorates the symptoms in men with chronic prostate inflammation and chronic pelvic pain.

Background

The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether acupuncture improved pain, voiding symptoms, and quality of life in men with chronic prostatitis//pelvic pain syndrome.

Methodology

12 men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome refractory to other therapies were treated twice weekly for 6 weeks with a protocol involving a total of 30 acupoints, 8 of which were electrically stimulated. Patients completed the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) at baseline and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and at 33 weeks follow-up.

Results

A significant decrease was found in CPSI scores. Pain and voiding symptoms decreased markedly, and quality of life scores improved at 33 week follow-up. At 33 weeks, 8 men had sustained marked and lasting improvement in quality of life assessments. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion

Acupuncture seems to be an effective, safe, and durable treatment for the improvement of symptoms and quality of life in chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. A larger study is planned to confirm these initial results.

References

Chen R, Nickel JC. Acupuncture ameliorates symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Urology 61(6): 1156-1159, Jun 2003.