Marylebone Diagnostic Centre · Men’s Health
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS / Chronic Prostatitis)
Persistent pelvic pain, discomfort after ejaculation or recurring urinary symptoms? Get a clear assessment and a treatment plan built around you.
At MDC, we can help arrange a consultation with Mr Giulio Garaffa, Consultant Urological Surgeon, discuss whether shockwave therapy is suitable and coordinate follow-up. WhatsApp MDC on 07495 970109 and our staff will help you book.
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD · Fees, availability and consultation location confirmed when booking
What is CPPS, and is it the same as chronic prostatitis?
In men, CPPS describes persistent or recurring pelvic pain, usually lasting at least three months, without a proven infection or another condition fully explaining it. It is often called chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, although the prostate is not always the only source of pain.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is different: it involves a bacterial infection and requires appropriate medical treatment. Your consultation helps distinguish these conditions and consider other causes.
Symptoms can fluctuate and affect sitting, work, sleep, sex and confidence. Your pain is real, even when routine tests are normal.
Where can the pain occur?
Discomfort may affect the area between the scrotum and anus, lower abdomen, penis, testicles, groin or lower back.
Can it affect urination?
Some men experience burning, urgency, frequent urination or difficulty passing urine. These symptoms also occur with infections and other conditions, so assessment matters.
Can ejaculation be painful?
Yes. Pain during or after ejaculation can occur. Tell your clinician about any erection difficulties or changes in sexual confidence as well.
What if my tests are normal?
Normal urine results do not make the pain imaginary. Pelvic muscle tension and altered pain signalling may contribute; a specialist can assess the wider picture.
A treatment option worth discussing
Shockwave therapy for CPPS
Low-intensity shockwave is an evidence-supported option to discuss with your urologist. The American Urological Association’s 2025 guideline recommends that clinicians discuss it with patients who have CP/CPPS.
Research supports improvements in pain and overall symptoms in some men. European guidance describes probable short-term benefit; how long improvement lasts is less certain. Results vary, and treatment should form part of an individual care plan.
Shockwave uses acoustic pulses delivered through the skin. Before starting, your clinician should confirm suitability and explain the treatment area, proposed course, possible discomfort or bruising, expected benefits and review arrangements.
The linked page also covers erectile dysfunction. CPPS requires its own assessment and treatment protocol. Shockwave does not replace treatment for a bacterial infection.
A clear consultation and treatment pathway
Book through MDC
To arrange an appointment with Mr Giulio Garaffa, Consultant Urological Surgeon, WhatsApp MDC on 07495 970109 . Our staff will explain booking options, location and fees.
Understand your symptoms
Your clinician reviews the pain pattern, urinary and sexual symptoms, previous treatments and examination findings. Urine testing, STI tests or other investigations may be recommended where relevant.
Agree your treatment plan
Discuss shockwave suitability alongside options such as symptom-directed medication, pelvic floor physiotherapy and practical advice. Agree realistic goals and the review point before treatment begins.
Review the response
Track pain, urinary symptoms and daily activities. If treatment is not helping, your specialist can reconsider the diagnosis or plan rather than simply continuing the same approach.
Why a combined approach matters
CPPS can involve several contributing factors. Specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy may help when muscles are overactive or tender. Relaxation, pacing activities and support with sleep or stress can complement medical treatment.
Do not assume that more pelvic floor strengthening is the answer. A specialist physiotherapist can advise whether relaxation or another approach is appropriate.
Antibiotics are important for bacterial infections, but repeated courses are not a routine solution for CPPS when infection tests are negative and previous antibiotics have not helped. Your clinician should guide these decisions.
Follow-up and aftercare at MDC
MDC can help coordinate your consultation, recommended treatment and review appointments. Before starting a course, agree:
- Which symptoms you are aiming to improve and how progress will be measured.
- When your review will take place and who will provide it.
- What to expect after treatment and when to seek advice.
- How to manage a flare-up and when a new symptom needs reassessment.
- The total fees and which follow-up appointments are included.
For routine booking and follow-up enquiries, WhatsApp MDC on 07495 970109 . Our team can direct clinical questions to the appropriate clinician.
Relevant MDC services
Urology and men’s health
Specialist assessment for pelvic pain, urinary symptoms and sexual health concerns.
Explore men’s health services →Tests guided by your consultation
Ask about urine testing, sexual health tests or relevant blood tests. There is no single blood test that confirms CPPS, and not everyone needs the same investigations.
Browse MDC services →Persistent symptoms? Start with a conversation.
To book with Mr Giulio Garaffa, Consultant Urological Surgeon, WhatsApp MDC on 07495 970109 . Ask our team about consultation, shockwave assessment and follow-up support.
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
WhatsApp is for routine enquiries, not emergencies. Ask our staff how to share medical reports securely.
Clinical sources and information
This page focuses on male CPPS. General information does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice.
