Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a prevalent urological condition in men, particularly those under 50 years of age, characterized by persistent pelvic pain often accompanied by urinary and sexual dysfunction. The etiology is multifactorial and poorly understood, involving musculoskeletal, psychological, neurogenic, and inflammatory components. Due to its heterogeneous nature, management strategies must be individualized. While pharmacological treatments, such as alpha-blockers, NSAIDs, and neuropathic pain agents, are commonly employed, they often yield limited results. Nonpharmacologic therapies, including pelvic floor physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acupuncture, show promise in alleviating symptoms. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion exert therapeutic effects through neuromodulatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. An increasing body of empirical and mechanistic evidence underscores their relevance as integrative treatments for CP/CPPS. Further research is essential to optimize patient selection and refine multimodal treatment protocols.
YANG et al. (Wed,) studied this question.