Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in both men and women. The familiar labels “prostatitis” in men and “cystitis” in women are often applied much more frequently than justified.
Pelvic pain, burning during urination, or the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying can have many different causes — and not all of them are infectious.
Why misdiagnosis happens
- Overlapping symptoms. Pain, frequent urination, and discomfort may signal not only infection but also pelvic floor dysfunction
- Focus only on bacteriology. Even with negative infection tests, “cystitis” or “prostatitis” is often diagnosed
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome overlooked. A condition that affects both men and women, yet is rarely considered in standard practice
The myth of “male prostatitis” and “female cystitis”
Men with chronic pelvic pain are often diagnosed with “chronic prostatitis” despite no inflammation of the prostate. Women with similar complaints are diagnosed with “recurrent cystitis,” though the real cause may be pelvic floor tension, neurological factors, or stress. In both cases, the underlying issue is chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).
What is chronic pelvic pain?
Chronic pelvic pain is defined as cyclic or non-cyclic pelvic pain lasting at least 6 months, with or without symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dysuria, or dyschezia.
Key takeaway
Cystitis in women and prostatitis in men are often diagnostic shortcuts. The real cause of pain may be different. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome requires careful evaluation, recognition of functional disorders, and personalized treatment.