NIH-CPSI Score Calculator — Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index
This NIH-CPSI score calculator delivers the full 9-question Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, developed by Litwin and colleagues in 1999 and now the international reference standard for quantifying pelvic pain in men. Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) affects up to 10% of men, causing persistent pain, urinary urgency, and significant distress. The NIH-CPSI breaks your symptoms down into three clinical domains: Pain (location and severity), Urinary Symptoms (irritative and obstructive), and Quality of Life Impact. Enter your symptoms from the past week below to calculate your severity tier (Mild, Moderate, or Severe) and receive a personalized urological action plan.
This tool is an evidence-based clinical aid. It is a conversation starter with your doctor, not a diagnostic substitute.
Your Personalized Action Plan
🔒 Every answer stays in your browser. Nothing is logged, stored, or transmitted. This is a clinical screening tool, not a substitute for a consultation with a urologist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Prostatitis
What is a normal NIH-CPSI score?
A score of 0 to 14 is considered mild (with many asymptomatic men scoring in the low single digits). A score of 15 to 29 indicates moderate symptoms that are likely impacting daily life. A score of 30 to 43 represents severe chronic prostatitis/CPPS that requires comprehensive, multimodal medical management. Read our complete guide to Chronic Prostatitis/CPPS.
How is chronic prostatitis (CPPS) different from an enlarged prostate (BPH)?
BPH is a physical, benign overgrowth of the prostate gland that slowly blocks urine flow, typically affecting men over 50. CPPS (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome) is characterized primarily by pelvic pain, perineal pressure, and painful ejaculation, and it frequently affects much younger men (aged 20 to 50). While both cause urinary frequency, pain is the defining feature of CPPS. Learn more about BPH symptoms.
Does CPPS mean I have an active bacterial infection?
In over 90% of cases, no. True chronic bacterial prostatitis is rare. The vast majority of men with these symptoms have Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), which is a non-bacterial condition driven by pelvic floor muscle tension, nerve sensitization, and localized inflammation. Repeated courses of antibiotics are usually ineffective for CPPS. Take our UTI Risk Assessment to check your symptoms.
How is CPPS / chronic prostatitis treated?
Because CPPS involves muscles, nerves, and inflammation, treatment is “multimodal.” The most effective treatments include pelvic floor physical therapy (to release tight pelvic muscles), anti-inflammatory medications, alpha-blockers (to relax the bladder neck), and stress management. There is no single “magic pill,” but a combined approach is highly successful. Learn about pelvic floor therapy for men.
Will my PSA be elevated if I have chronic prostatitis?
Yes, it is very common. Any inflammation of the prostate — whether from bacterial infection or non-bacterial CPPS — can cause your PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels to spike temporarily. Urologists typically wait until the inflammatory flare-up has settled before re-checking your PSA to establish a true baseline. Read our guide on understanding PSA levels.
Dr. Muhammad Khalid
MBBS · FCPS (Urology) · MCPS (Gen. Surgery) · CHPE · CRSM · IMC #539472
Specialist urologist with 11+ years of clinical experience across tertiary teaching hospitals. Trained at Lady Reading Hospital and Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Author of 5 peer-reviewed international publications in Cureus, WJSA, and AJBS. Procedural expertise: URS, PCNL, RIRS, TURP, TURBT, and major open urological surgery. Full profile →
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or urologist for diagnosis and treatment decisions specific to your condition.