Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis/ Pelvic Pain Syndrome With Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

This study is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, cross-over trial to investigate the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). We will enroll 60 subjects with Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) \> 15. 30 subjects receive ESWT (LM-IASO, Litemed Co., Taiwan) for 6 courses in 3 weeks (0.05mJ/mm2, 3000 pulses) and 30 subjects receive Sham therapy for 3 weeks (the machine turning on but the energy is zero). After 3 weeks, the two groups are cross over, for additional 6 courses. The primary outcome is the the 4th week change from baseline for CPSI score. Secondary outcomes are the 8th week change from baseline for CPSI score, IIEF, QoL; AEs. The between-group relationships of baseline and 4-week data were evaluated by using the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test where appropriate. Multiple linear regression was carried out to test the variables associated with treatment outcome. P-values \< 0.05 were considered statistically significant.