Jeannette M. Potts, MD, presents “We Must Stop Misusing the Term Prostatitis.”
How to cite: Potts, Jeannette M. “We Must Stop Misusing the Term Prostatitis.” July 8, 2025. Accessed Mar 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/we-must-stop-misusing-the-term-prostatitis/
We Must Stop Misusing the Term Prostatitis – Summary
Jeannette Potts, MD, Co-founder of Vista Urology and Pelvic Pain Partners, delivers a clinically grounded framework for deciphering pain in men with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome. She begins this 22-minute presentation by calling for the abandonment of the term “prostatitis” when no infection is present, noting that over 95% of affected men are misdiagnosed and mismanaged. Meanwhile, those with true bacterial prostatitis remain undertreated. She emphasizes that these patients require careful attention, beginning with full presence during evaluation and a broad differential diagnosis.
She systematically reviews bladder-associated pain, ejaculatory and arousal pain, and referred pain sources, including discogenic, urologic, and myofascial. History-taking must address symptom onset, life changes, circadian rhythms, and psychosocial stressors. A complete physical exam, including the perineal dermatomes, myofascial structures, and neurologic assessment using ice, pinwheel, and cotton, is essential.
Dr. Potts illustrates the diagnostic approach using cases involving perineal pain, interstitial cystitis, ejaculatory pain, and functional somatic syndromes. Her internal exam includes specific trigger point identification and pelvic floor muscle assessment. She shares cases with varied symptoms, illustrating different approaches and causes. Dr. Potts also highlights the importance of psychological history, including early trauma.
Dr. Potts urges urologists to listen carefully, examine thoroughly, and recognize that these men require care beyond the prostate—care that is biopsychosocial and attentive to the whole person.
