ABSTRACT
Urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes generally manifest as chronic pelvic/genital pain and are often associated with variable urinary disturbances and sexual dysfunction, as well as with a host of intra- and interpersonal difficulties. Two prominent urologic chronic pelvic pain conditions are chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Through the lens of a biopsychosocial model of pain, this chapter identifies the most relevant physical, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the pain experience of patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain. This chapter discusses the relationships between chronic pelvic pain and stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal factors (e.g., social support, sexuality, partner relations), quality of life, and catastrophizing. Since a number of psychosocial variables influence urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome outcomes, current interventions designed to target psychosocial risk factors are reviewed: behavioral coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness. The chapter ends with a discussion of a novel intervention that is unique to urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome management and targets particular variables associated with pain-related fears and cognitions in this population—the cognitive-behavioral symptom management program.
