Volume 8, Supplement 4Review ArticlesAlpha-Blockers for the Treatment of Prostatitis-Like SyndromesAdvances in Alpha-Blocker Therapy in the Management of Urological DisordersJ Curtis NickelProstatitis is a common medical diagnosis. The etiology of this symptomatic syndrome can be an acute or chronic bacterial infection, a noninfectious initiator (the most common cause), or iatrogenic heat or radiation; the syndrome may coexist with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Alpha-blockers have a role in the treatment of the prostatitis syndromes. In Category I, acute bacterial prostatitis, a-blockers have been shown to possibly ameliorate obstructive and irritative voiding symptoms. In Category II, chronic bacterial prostatitis, a-blockers seem to reduce the risk of clinical and bacteriological recurrence. In Category III, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, a-blockers improve symptoms and quality of life. Alpha-blockers also seem to ameliorate the symptoms and reduce the risk of acute urinary retention in patients who suffer from either heat- or radiation-induced prostatic inflammation. Alpha-blockers improve lower urinary tract symptoms, including pain, in patients who are diagnosed with both prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Evidence has proven there is definitely a role for a-blockers in the management of the prostatitis syndromes. [Rev Urol. 2006;8(suppl 4):S26-S34]Benign prostatic hyperplasiaLower urinary tract symptomsBlockersProstatitis syndromesCP/CPPS