Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility in Chronic Prostatitis

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis (CPPS) is a common condition in men, accounting for a significant number of visits to primary care physicians and urologists. Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction or ED, painful ejaculation and poor libido, as well as male factor infertility, are also commonly seen in this population and are strongly associated with a negative impact on the quality of life. Although the literature strongly supports that lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia are related to ED, there is little concrete data linking CPPS/chronic prostatitis with sexual dysfunction or male infertility. Researchers have suggested that the symptoms caused by CPPS/ prostatitis, including lower urinary tract symptoms (such as urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria) and pain or discomfort in the genitalia or suprapubic area with ejaculation, impair overall quality of life and that this is what contributes to sexual dysfunction. This chapter reviews the contemporary state of knowledge and explores the possible links between sexual dysfunction and CPPS/prostatitis, focusing on the pathophysiology and the current diagnostic and treatment options for this condition. The relationship between male infertility and CPPS/chronic prostatitis will also be explored.