Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and male interstitial cystitis: enigmas and opportunities

Abstract

Recently, it has been recognized that interstitial cystitis (IC) in males is a more common clinical entity than was previously thought. Further, increasing evidence suggests clinical and pathogenetic similarities between male IC and chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CP)/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In this article, we highlight the similarities and differences between male IC and CP and review the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of IC in men, with particular attention to those who have received an initial diagnosis of CP.