The prevalence of chronic prostatitis-like symptoms in young men: a community-based survey

We surveyed the prevalence of chronic prostatitis-like symptoms in young me n using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) and determined the clinical validity of the NIH-CPSI among me n in the community. Of 29,017 men aged 20 years dwelling in the community, 8,705 men were randomly selected at a 30.0% sampling fraction and a total o f 6,940 men (a response rate 79.7%) completed a self-administered questionn aire. Six percent reported having pain or discomfort in more than one area. About 5% did not feel that the bladder emptied fully after urinating more than 1 time in 5 and 10.5% had to urinate again within 2 h more than 1 time in 5. As the scores for pain or discomfort increased, those for urinary sy mptoms and impact on quality of life increased (P < 0.001; Armitage test). As the scores for urinary symptoms increased, those for pain or discomfort and impact on quality of life also increased (P < 0.001; Armitage test). Th e community-based prevalence of chronic prostatitis-like symptoms were foun d to be high in young men as well as in older men. Our findings indicate th at men with pain or urinary symptoms experience a negative impact on their quality of life and the NIH-CPSI provides a valid measure for the general p opulation.