Functional and Structural Characteristics of the Pelvic Floor in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS).

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the functional and structural characteristics of the pelvic floor in CP/CPPS patients using surface electromyography (sEMG), pelvic floor ultrasound, and the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale (PSSS).

METHODS

Thirty CP/CPPS patients and thirty age-matched healthy males were assessed using the Glazer sEMG protocol and pelvic floor ultrasound to evaluate muscle activity, thickness, and elasticity. PSSS was used to evaluate psychological health. Independent samples t-tests were used for group comparisons.

RESULTS

CP/CPPS patients exhibited significantly higher average EMG values during pre- and post-rest phases, prolonged relaxation time after rapid contractions, and greater variability during endurance contractions (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in ultrasound measurements (p > 0.05). PSSS scores were significantly higher in the CP/CPPS group across all subscales (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CP/CPPS is characterized by increased pelvic floor muscle excitability, reduced coordination, and pronounced somatic and psychological symptom burden, without significant global structural abnormalities. The Glazer sEMG protocol may help identify characteristic pelvic floor abnormalities, while the PSSS offers valuable insights into psychological symptomatology.