Efficacy of acupuncture for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes on quality of life: study protocol for a randomized, sham acupuncture-controlled trial

Abstract

Background Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CP/CPPS) is a common heterogeneous disease that seriously impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Acupuncture therapy has been widely used in China for various urinary diseases and symptoms, including chronic prostatitis. The results of several randomized controlled studies from different countries support that acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of CP/CPPS. Still, most randomized controlled trial (RCT) trials focus on symptom relief in patients, and the evidence on improving the QoL is insufficient. This study aims to assess the near-term and long-term efficacy of acupuncture in improving QoL in patients with CP/CPPS.