Alternative therapies in the management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Purpose: Standard medical therapy for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) including such agents as nonsteriodal anti-inflammatories, alpha-blockers, antimicrobial therapy, and 5a-reductase inhibitors has not been uniformly effective. The purpose of this review is to focus on the role of alternative therapies available for the management of CP/CPPS. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature for articles published in PubMed up to 2012 pertaining to commonly employed alternative therapies. Results: The evidence for alternative therapies such as diet and lifestyle modifications, phytotherapy, acupuncture, myofascial physical therapy, and stress management/cognitive behavioral therapy is reviewed. Conclusion: CP/CPPS often requires a multimodal approach and alternative therapies should be considered as adjuncts in the treatment of refractory CP/CPPS patients.