Prostatitis

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder in men. It's the most commonly diagnosed urologic disorder in men younger than age 50. It's estimated that about 15% of men will experience prostatitis at some point in their lives.

Types of Prostatitis

There are four main types of prostatitis:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis: This is the least common type of prostatitis. It's caused by a bacterial infection and requires immediate medical treatment.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: This is a recurrent infection caused by bacteria. It usually requires a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to manage.
• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): This is the most common type of prostatitis, and the cause is unknown. It may involve physical and psychological treatment.
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: This type of prostatitis does not cause symptoms and is usually discovered during tests for other conditions. There is no need for treatment.

Symptoms of Prostatitis

The symptoms of prostatitis depend on the type:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis: Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, pain in the lower back, rectum or groin, or a burning sensation during urination.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Symptoms may include a dull ache in the lower back, penis or testicles, painful or burning sensation while urinating, painful ejaculation, and urinary urgency.
• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Symptoms may include mild pain in the lower abdomen, lower back or rectum, pain and burning sensations during urination, and difficulty ejaculating or pleasure during ejaculation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostatitis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Tests such as urine tests, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, and a prostate biopsy may also be done to diagnose prostatitis. Treatment will depend on the type of prostatitis and the cause.

• Acute bacterial prostatitis: Treatment usually involves antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the inflammation, and possibly a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor to reduce the size of the prostate. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fluid intake and cutting down on alcohol.
• Chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Treatment may involve medications for pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Prevention of Prostatitis

Good hygiene and mindful self-care can help prevent prostatitis. It is important to urinate after intercourse, drink plenty of fluids, and practice good hygiene. Avoid tight undergarments and long periods of sitting, as this can increase the pressure on the prostate.