The role of Gut microbiota involved in prostate microenvironment and symptoms improvement in Chronic Prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients treated with low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) presents a common urological challenge with limited satisfactory treatment options. Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) is emerging as a promising and safe treatment; however, its underlying mechanisms warrant further exploration. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of Li-ESWT on CP/CPPS by investigating changes in clinical symptoms, gut microbiota, inflammatory factors in semen/prostate fluid, pain factors, and oxidative stress indicators before and after Li-ESWT treatment, and the interrelationships among these variables.