Role of alpha blocker therapy in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: limited options with promising results

Abstract

Chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (NIH-type II and type III prostatitis) are common cause of chronic pelvic pain. The exact etiology of these entities are unknown. They are associated with varying degree of voiding and sexual dysfunction. Consensus regarding treatment of these pain syndromes is lacking. Review of literature suggest a therapeutic role of alpha adrenergic receptor blockers in the management of NIH-type II and type III prostatitis. A trial of alpha-blocker is reasonably inexpensive and appropriate for most patients suffering from NIH-type III prostatitis and NIH-type II prostatitis. A general consensus is that if a patient agrees to a trial of alphablocker therapy which subsequently shows a good response then it should be continued for at least 6 months for a proper therapeutic effect. This review analyses the role of alphablockers in this disease/syndrome; discusses the possible mechanism of action through which these drugs provide relief and also highlights some of the important trials which have paved way for this particular treatment option in this intriguing disease /syndrome. Keywords Prostate . . Pain . . Adrenergic alpha antagonists . . Chronic prostatitis with chronic pelvic pain syndrome.