Etiology: where does prostatitis stop and interstitial cystitis begin?

Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (MCPPS) and interstitial cystitis (IC) patients show striking similarities in clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, purported pathogenesis, and even response to therapy. This makes the distinction between them very difficult. This review aims to show just how easy it is for the clinician to miss the features of IC in the MCPPS patient (and conversely). Misdiagnosis can result in the rejection of various potentially helpful therapies while accurate early diagnosis will lead to appropriate therapies and a better quality of life for the patient.