SHANGHAI, July 9 -- TEN Chinese hospitals will kick off the nation's first coordinated research into chronic prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland.

The research will target the disease's symptoms, causes and mental impact on patients, said experts in the city over the weekend during a nationwide tour focused on doctor training and patient education.

Launched by the Chinese Urological Association's Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network and the Nanjing MeiRui Pharma Co, the research will start next month and last for three months.

The disease can attack about 50 percent of males at some point during their lifetime.

"Since it is not rare that patients are over-diagnosed and over-treated, the network issued a guideline for chronic prostatitis diagnosis and treatment last year," said Dr Zhang Kai, from Peking University's Institute of Urology and also the network's head.

"This tour will also promote guidelines to improve and regulate the practice of urological doctors, especially those from small and private hospitals. Patient education is very important."

He said about 50 percent of patients can cure by themselves without medication. "However, timely and proper diagnosis is essential."

According to experts, a male can suffer from prostatitis any time after puberty. Symptoms include the frequent and urgent need to urinate and pain or a burning sensation during urination.

Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, avoiding spicy food and drinking water are effective in prostatitis prevention.