Acute Prostatitis

Acute Prostatitis: A Guide for Patients

Acute prostatitis is a condition that can cause pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty passing urine, and fever. It can be caused by a bacterial infection or another underlying health condition. This guide provides information about its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is Acute Prostatitis?

Acute prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes inflamed. The prostate is a small gland located underneath the bladder and is responsible for producing some of the fluids found in semen.

It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by a virus or another underlying health condition. Acute prostatitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty passing urine, fever, chills, nausea, and frequent urge to urinate.

Causes of Acute Prostatitis

The most common cause of acute prostatitis is a bacterial infection. This type of infection can occur when bacteria enter the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. It can also be caused by a weakened immune system, an enlarged prostate, or a bladder infection.

In some cases, the cause of acute prostatitis is unknown. This is known as idiopathic prostatitis and is thought to be triggered by a combination of factors, including hormonal imbalances, psychological stress, or changes in physical activity.

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of acute prostatitis, your doctor will likely order a urine test and a blood test to look for signs of infection. They may also use a rectal examination to examine the prostate for signs of tenderness, swelling, or discharge. Other tests, such as imaging studies or a prostate biopsy, may be needed to rule out other health conditions.

Treatment

Treatment of acute prostatitis typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, other medications may also be needed to reduce swelling or pain.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as drinking more water or reducing alcohol intake, to help reduce symptoms.

Prevention

The best way to prevent acute prostatitis is to practice good hygiene, including wiping from front to back after using the bathroom. Other preventive measures include avoiding using other people’s soaps or toiletries, using condoms during sexual intercourse, and avoiding foods that can irritate the bladder.

Conclusion

Acute prostatitis is a condition that can cause pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty passing urine, and fever. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by a virus or other underlying health condition. Your doctor can diagnose the condition by ordering a urine test and blood test and may recommend antibiotics and lifestyle changes to treat the condition. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding foods that can irritate the bladder can help to prevent acute prostatitis.