Doctor Answers: What is Acupuncture for Prostate Inflammation?

If you’ve been struggling with chronic prostatitis and its accompanying pelvic pain, you’re not alone. Chronic prostatitis has a lifetime prevalence rate of 1.8% to 8.2%, and experts note that chronic pelvic pain syndrome accounts for over 90% of these cases. 

The persistent pelvic pain can cause discomfort in the lower urinary tract and the area between the anus and genitals. 

One question many patients ask is, “what is acupuncture for prostatitis, and how can it help manage this pelvic pain?” We spoke with Dr. Kelepurovski, whose answers are backed by recent studies and extensive research.

Q: What is Prostatitis?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: Chronic prostatitis is a common urologic condition that affects roughly 10–15% of American men. It is characterized by swelling or inflammation of the prostate gland, leading to significant pelvic pain and urinary tract difficulties. Prostatitis is divided into several syndromes, including:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (the most common type)
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

The symptoms of chronic prostatitis are generally easy to recognize. Affected individuals often have difficulty urinating and experience pain in the genitals, pelvis, and groin. In some cases, symptoms may even mimic those of the flu, making it essential to consult with a healthcare expert. Prostatitis can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Factors such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may lead to an enlarged prostate, and the condition becomes more prevalent with age. Typically, the main treatments have been painkillers and antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties; however, these interventions sometimes do not fully control chronic pelvic pain and may lead to unwanted side effects. This is why many patients are exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture.

Q: What Is Acupuncture for Prostatitis?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: Acupuncture is a complementary medicine that has gained significant popularity in the United States. Over 2 million Americans schedule acupuncture sessions annually, and approximately 9 to 12 million sessions are performed each year. Integral to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body known as meridians, lines of energy that, when stimulated, can help restore the body’s natural balance.

This treatment is used for a wide range of mental and physical conditions. In sham acupuncture, practitioners do not insert the needles as deeply; instead, they utilize a specialized technique to control pain and mitigate uncomfortable symptoms. Harvard Health reports that standard acupuncture “rewires” the brain to facilitate lasting improvements, whereas sham acupuncture harnesses the placebo circuitry of the central nervous system to yield temporary pain relief. Controlled trials have shown that both methods can effectively manage conditions such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, depression, headaches, pain, and sprains.

Q: Can Acupuncture Help With Prostatitis?

Dr.Kelepurovski answers: Acupuncture appears to be a promising treatment for alleviating the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis. Many studies indicate that for the less than 15% of adult men affected by this condition, multiple acupuncture sessions are required to help regulate the urinary tract and reduce pelvic pain. The research demonstrates that acupuncture is much more effective than sham acupuncture in curbing pain and improving the overall quality of life.

Additionally, standard acupuncture may provide benefits comparable to common medications, such as Ibuprofen and Tamsulosin, while rarely causing side effects. This makes it an appealing option for patients seeking alternatives to conventional treatments.

Q: How Does Acupuncture for Prostatitis Work?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: In traditional Chinese medicine, chronic pelvic pain is believed to be caused by the “depression of the seven emotions” and stagnant blood, leading to a disruption in the flow of Qi (vital energy). Acupuncture aims to restore proper Qi circulation and improve blood flow. When a fine needle is inserted into a designated acupuncture point, it triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. Although each needle insertion causes a very small, painless injury, it is enough to stimulate a healing response that promotes circulation, tissue rejuvenation, and pain modulation. With regular sessions, patients may experience a boosted immune response and significant relief from chronic pelvic pain.

Q: What Does Research Say about Acupuncture for Prostatitis?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: A number of studies support the use of acupuncture for managing chronic prostatitis symptoms. For example, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 100 patients with chronic prostatitis divided participants into two groups: one receiving standard acupuncture at seven bilateral acupoints and the other receiving sham acupuncture. The final results demonstrated that both groups experienced substantial reductions in chronic pelvic pain; however, the patients who received standard acupuncture showed a more pronounced improvement in pain relief and quality of life.

In a pilot study published in the Urology Journal, 12 men underwent at least six weeks of acupuncture treatment. The results showed a drastic decrease in symptoms such as pain, urinary tract complications, and overall quality of life improvements. Another clinical trial compared the effectiveness of acupuncture with conventional medications, showing an 87.5% total effective rate in the acupuncture group versus a 62.5% rate in the conventional treatment group. Although these studies are relatively small-scale, the findings indicate that acupuncture is a viable, and possibly superior, alternative treatment for chronic prostatitis. A larger systematic review is needed to evaluate the full extent of its benefits.

Q: What are the other Benefits of Acupuncture for Men?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: Acupuncture not only helps manage prostatitis symptoms but also offers a range of additional benefits for men, including:

Improved Sexual Functioning and Vitality

Acupuncture can boost sexual stamina and desire. It is known to enhance sperm quality,  motility, and quantity, which is particularly beneficial for older men who often face issues with sexual dysfunction.

Better Recovery and Athletic Performance

Research from systematic reviews suggests that acupuncture can expedite post-exercise recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and lower heart rate, thereby improving athletic performance. This can be crucial for men dealing with pelvic pain who also suffer from inflammation, poor flexibility, and slow tissue repair.

Enhanced Control in Seasonal Allergies

 A randomized, controlled multicenter trial has found that acupuncture helped patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis manage their pollen allergies more effectively. By reducing reliance on conventional allergy medications, acupuncture offers an alternative for controlling symptoms.

Increased Mindfulness

In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to find a moment of calm. Acupuncture sessions, typically lasting less than half an hour, provide an opportunity for stillness and stress relief. This practice can help patients address both emotional and physical unrest, fostering mindfulness and improved overall well-being.

Facilitated Long-Term Symptomatic Relief

Unlike drug treatments, which offer rapid relief but may lead to dependency and adverse side effects, especially for conditions such as prostate enlargement, acupuncture offers long-term, sustainable symptomatic relief without compromising prostate health. It is particularly beneficial for chronic pelvic pain syndrome, providing effects that persist over time.

Q: What are the Risks and Side effects of Acupuncture?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. The adverse event rate is low, and any side effects are typically mild and temporary. Some potential side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or nauseous
• Mild pain at the needle insertion site
• Bruising or minor bleeding at the puncture spots
• Temporary worsening of a pre-existing condition

Patients with bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia) or allergies to metals should consult with their doctor before beginning acupuncture treatment since the needles are made of metal. Although the practice is considered safe during pregnancy, it is important to inform your practitioner of your pregnancy status before starting treatment.

Key Patient Questions on Acupuncture for Prostate Inflammation

Q: Can individualized acupuncture treatment plans further enhance symptom relief for prostatitis compared to standardized protocols?

Dr.  Kelepurovski answers: Yes, individually tailored treatment protocols with personalized acupuncture may achieve higher symptom remissions for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) than standardized protocols. Tailoring the choice of points based on an individual patient’s own presentation, such as area of pain, urinary difficulties, and mental conditions, allows more targeted strategies.

A meta-analysis in Medicine demonstrated that acupuncture had a significant pain reduction, urinary symptom improvement, and improvement in quality of life for CP/CPPS patients compared to sham acupuncture and western medicine. The research indicated the merit of total acupuncture treatment per individual symptoms in clinical practice .

Moreover, in a randomized controlled trial, acupuncture was found to be nearly two times more effective than sham acupuncture in alleviating CP/CPPS symptoms and the effects sustained up to 24 weeks from treatment.

These findings suggest that patient-specific acupuncture protocols, based on the specific symptom profile of the individual patient, can result in larger and more sustained relief of symptoms.

Q: Does acupuncture have a preventative effect that reduces the risk of future prostatitis flare-ups?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: There is growing evidence that not only does acupuncture alleviate current symptoms of CP/CPPS but it also has a preventative function in avoiding the danger of impending flare-ups in the future. By autonomic nervous system modulation, decreasing inflammation, and improving pelvic blood flow, acupuncture acts on fundamental processes implicated in chronic prostatitis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis discovered that acupuncture considerably improved pain, urinary symptoms, and quality of life for patients with CP/CPPS, and the benefits were sustained in the long term. Another study noted that patients who were given acupuncture experienced a greater reduction in symptom scores compared to those who were given sham acupuncture, indicating benefits in the long term.

Although bigger, longer-term studies are needed to conclusively determine preventative effects of acupuncture on prostatitis flare-ups, current evidence supports its benefit as a valuable adjunct in the management and potential prevention of CP/CPPS symptoms.

Q: How does the cost-effectiveness of long-term acupuncture compare with ongoing pharmaceutical therapies for chronic prostatitis?

Dr. Kelepurovski answers: Acupuncture is a cheaper option than prolonged drug treatment for CP/CPPS, particularly when the costs of both direct medical treatment and patient quality of life are included in the equation.

A network meta-analysis of various treatments for CP/CPPS found that acupuncture, especially electro-acupuncture, had considerably superior symptom scores compared to traditional drugs like antibiotics and alpha-blockers. Also, acupuncture was observed to have fewer side effects, which can reduce additional healthcare costs in the form of side effect management.

While there are no exact cost estimates, reduced dependence on ongoing medication, lowered side effects, and increased well-being suggest that acupuncture may be a cost-benefit winner in long-term treatment of CP/CPPS.

Q: Are there specific biomarkers that can objectively measure the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing prostate inflammation?

Dr.Kelepurovski answers: Currently, there are no biomarkers that are universally accepted and are specifically approved for measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing prostate inflammation. However, several new biological markers are being studied in clinical trials.

• Inflammatory  Cytokines: Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the immune and inflammatory response. Studies have shown that it may reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) — both of which are most strongly associated with chronic prostate inflammation and pelvic pain. In a 2020 study using an animal model, electroacupuncture significantly decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels in rats with prostatitis-like symptoms, which is evidence for its immunomodulatory effect.
• NIH-CPSI (Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index): Not a biological marker but a highly validated clinical tool, the NIH-CPSI remains the “gold standard” for quantifying symptom severity and response to therapy in CP/CPPS. Various clinical trials have shown that patients receiving acupuncture described statistically significant reductions in NIH-CPSI scores, such as pain and urinary symptoms.

More large-scale, human-centered studies are needed to:

• Associate biomarker changes with symptom improvement
• Normalize biomarker panels for clinical use
• Separate effects of acupuncture from placebo or other non-specific treatment

A combination of clinical rating scales (e.g., NIH-CPSI) and novel immune-based biomarkers may be the most informative model to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in treating prostatitis at this time.

Conclusion

Chronic pelvic pain due to prostatitis can greatly affect quality of life, prompting many to seek alternative treatments. Acupuncture for prostatitis emerges as a promising and cost-effective therapy, providing relief from pain, reducing inflammation, and improving urinary function without the side effects associated with many conventional medications. 

Despite the need for further research to fully validate its long-term benefits, current studies support acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment option for men suffering from chronic prostatitis. If you experience chronic pelvic pain, it is advisable to consult with a specialist to consider incorporating acupuncture into your treatment regimen.

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