Chronic pelvic pain syndrome assessment: NIH-CPSI Questionnaire

Last updated: May 18, 2026

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Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is one kind of syndrome which complaint dominantly in pain around anorectal, genital areas or even whole pelvic area of gentlemen. Before making diagnosis of this condition, urologist in-charge must complete all history taking, physical examination and proper investigations until making sure that the patients are literally suffering with a chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a chronic disease which quite difficult to treat and need a very good understanding and relationship between patient and urologist.

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Because of its complexity in symptoms so we have to record all symptoms aspect with a well-constructed tool. Today I will show you the world standard questionnaire on CPPS which is called NIH-CPSI or National Institute of Health – Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index.

Name of patient	______________________________________
Date of doing the questionaire	______________________________________
Date of birth	______________________________________

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome questionnaire (NIH-CPSI)

PLEASE CIRCLE THE ANSWER WHICH REPRESENT YOUR CURRENT SYMPTOMS

Pain or Discomfort

1. In the last week, have you experienced any pain or discomfort in the following areas? (Choose YES or NO)

Area between rectum and testicles (perineum)	YES	NO
Testicles	YES	NO
Tip of the penis (not related to urination)	YES	NO
Below your waist, in your pubic or bladder area	YES	NO

2. In the last week have you experienced: (Choose YES or NO)

Pain or burning during urination?	YES	NO
Pain or discomfort during or after sexual climax (ejaculation)?	YES	NO

3. How often have you had pain or discomfort in any of these areas over the last week?

a. Never

b. Rarely

c. Sometimes

d. Often

e. Usually

f. Always

4. Which number describes your AVERAGE pain or discomfort on the days that you had it, over the last week?

Urination

5. How often have you had the sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating, over the last week?

a. Not at all

b. Less than 1 time in 5

c. Less than half a time

d. About half of time

e. More than half of time

f. Almost always

6. How often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating, over the last week?

a. Not at all

b. Less than 1 time in 5

c. Less than half a time

d. About half of time

e. More than half of time

f. Almost always

Impact of symptoms

7. How much have your symptoms kept you from doing the kind of things you would usually do, over the last week?

a. None

b. Only a little

c. Some

d. A lot

8. How much did you think about your symptoms, over the last week?

a. None

b. Only a little

c. Some

d. A lot

Quality of life

9. If you were to spend the rest of your life with symptoms just the way they have been during the last week, how would you feel about that?

a. Delighted

b. Pleased

c. Mostly satisfied

d. Mixed

e. Mostly dissatisfied

f. Unhappy

g. Terrible

Scoring the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index Domains

Pain	______________________________________
Urinary symptoms	______________________________________
Quality of life	______________________________________

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome management needs several times of OPD visits for adjusting medication as no any single best treatment for every patients.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

What is chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in men?

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a condition characterized by persistent pain in the perineal, genital, or pelvic region in men, lasting more than 3 months, without evidence of a bacterial infection. It is the most common form of prostatitis and can include pain during urination, pain with ejaculation, and urinary symptoms such as frequency and incomplete emptying. It is a complex, difficult-to-treat condition that requires a strong doctor-patient relationship and individualized management.

What is the NIH-CPSI questionnaire and what does it measure?

The NIH-CPSI (National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index) is the internationally validated assessment tool for CPPS. It measures three domains: pain (location, frequency, severity scored 0–21), urinary symptoms (incomplete emptying and frequency scored 0–10), and quality of life impact (scored 0–9). The total score ranges from 0 to 41, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. It is used both for initial diagnosis and to track treatment response over time.

Is there a cure for chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

There is currently no single universally effective treatment for CPPS. Management typically requires multiple OPD visits and a multimodal approach including alpha blockers, anti-inflammatory medications, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and psychological support depending on the dominant symptoms. Treatment is adjusted over time based on symptom response monitored by the NIH-CPSI score. With patience and consistent follow-up, meaningful symptom improvement is achievable for most patients.

If you are experiencing chronic pelvic or perineal pain and would like a specialist evaluation, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.