Médecine alternative et intégrative

Effect of Bojungikki-tang on Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Case Series

Abstract

Jiman Kim and Seung Won Kwon

Background: Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a pelvic pain condition in men that involves urinary symptoms and sexual activity-related discomfort and should be distinguished from other forms of prostatitis such as chronic bacterial prostatitis and acute bacterial prostatitis. CPPS significantly affects men’s quality of life. We experienced six cases which revealed improved CPPS symptoms after herbal medicine therapy. Case report: We describe 6 cases of CPPS that could not bead equately controlled with antibiotics or alpha blockers. We decided to administer Bojungikki-tang, an herbal extract used in Korean medicine. At baseline, NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index score of 6 cases was 28.83 ± 6.37 (average ± standard deviation). After 5 months ~ 10 months of treatment with Bojungikki-tang, we observed a reduction of CPPS symptoms such as pelvic pain, frequent urination, and sexual symptoms. Among 6 cases, 5 cases reveals NIHChronic Prostatitis Symptom Index score 0 point (83.3%), 1 case reveals 14 points after herbal medication treatment. Discussion: Our case series has shown that the symptoms of CPPS may be controlled using herbal medication when unresponsive to conventional therapies.