PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To investigate the relationship, diagnosis and treatment of the overlapping lower urinary tract symptoms experienced by men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have clearly shown that men can suffer from both benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. Approximately 5-20% of men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia suffer from prostatitis-like symptoms, while over one third of men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia have had a diagnosis of prostatitis in the past. Differentiation between these two symptom-based medical conditions can be difficult because of overlapping symptoms, but pain clearly identifies those patients with chronic prostatitis. Treatment for men with co-occurring benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis may include alpha-blockers, 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and phytotherapies (saw palmetto and bee pollen extract), with evidence clearly showing the benefits of alpha-blocker therapy.

SUMMARY

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis are a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms and frequently co-occur in older men. The best treatment for men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with both benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis is alpha-blockers.