Prevalence of Chromic Prostatitis and the Impact of Ejaculation Frequency on Prostatitis Symptoms

Abstract

Specific Aims The aim of this study is to identify signs and symptoms associated with differentiating non-bacterial chronic prostatitis and symptom severity based on ejaculation frequency. Our working hypotheses are that men who ejaculate more frequently have masked symptoms or diminished symptoms of prostatitis. Methods This descriptive study will use data collected from an online questionnaire. The independent variable will be groupings of men based on ejaculation frequently. The questionnaire will consist of 21 diagnostic type questions, 8 descriptive type questions, and 2 questions gathering demographic information. A pilot study involving a couple of young males will be conducted to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Main Results Males over the age of 18 were eligible for the study, 685 participants completed the study. Our results confirm that men who ejaculate less frequently (Groups 2 & 3 - once a week or less) have significantly higher prostatitis symptoms than men who ejaculate more frequently or do not ejaculate at all, p<0.016. Conclusions Adding ejaculation frequency to a prostatitis workup may be useful in determining how much of their symptomology is being masked via frequent ejaculation. This may explain why some men with similar prostatitis severity based on physical and laboratory examination may have differing severity in symptomology.