The present invention relates to the association between detecting and quantifying the presence of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in urine, bladder and prostate tissues for the purpose of diagnosis and prognosis of urological inflammatory. In addition, methods to inactivate MIF activity by use of antibodies or specific MIF inhibitors can be used to treat these diseases. For instance, such diseases as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, non-bacterial prostatitis, and interstitial cystitis may be mediated by MIF release. Periodic assays for MIF could be conducted for a patient to determine if the patient's MIF urine levels are high or increasing. In addition, intravesical MIF antibodies or other MIF-specific inhibitors would reduce or ameliorate these pelvic diseases.