OBJECTIVESTo explore the incidence, causes, and significance of altered bowel habits in chronic prostatitis.

METHODSInvestigating the incidence of altered bowel habits in chronic prostatitis, analyzing some possible causes to induce the symptom, such as course of disease, vegetative nerve functional disturbance, inflammation in expressed prostatic secretions, and digital rectal examination. Following up the improvement of altered bowel habits after effective treatment of chronic prostatitis.

RESULTSThe incidence of altered bowel habits was 31.40% in 379 chronic prostatitis patients. The detected congestion and swelling of prostate was closed related to altered bowel habits in chronic prostatitis. The incidence of improvement of altered bowel habits after effective treatment of chronic prostatitis reached to 78.79%.

CONCLUSIONSCongestion and swelling of prostate might be the main causes for altered bowel habits in chronic prostatitis. Altered bowel habits should be considered as a common symptom and cure standard for chronic prostatitis.