PROSTATITIS

 Basic information

description

• Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is about the size of a walnut and is located just below the urinary bladder in men. Inflammation causes swelling of the prostate. The swelling can occur gradually or come on suddenly. Symptoms occur when the swollen prostate presses against the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside. Prostatitis is common in adult males. Types are:
  • Acute bacterial prostatitis.
  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
  • Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This is the most common type.
  • Asymptomatic prostatitis.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Urgency to urinate. Burning or pain with urination.
• Frequent urination. Waking at night to urinate.
• Difficulty starting urination and emptying the bladder completely.
• Fever, chills (acute bacterial prostatitis).
• Tiredness and muscle and joint aches.
• Pain between the scrotum and anus.
• Blood in the urine (sometimes) or in the semen.
• Low back pain.
• Not enjoying sex; unable to get and keep an erection.

causes

• Acute and chronic bacterial types are caused by bacteria infection.
• In nonbacterial types, the causes are unclear. It is not contagious, nor infectious, and does not cause cancer.

risk increases with

• Urinary-tract infection.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• Other risk factors are unclear and undergoing research.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None specific. Avoid infections.

expected outcomes

Outcome is generally good for bacterial prostatitis. Treatment may take 2 weeks to 6 months or longer and different drugs may be tried. Other types can be more difficult to treat, and the outcomes will vary.

possible complications

• Recurrence or chronic prostatitis.
• Abscess (pus-filled infection).
• Bladder obstruction and urinary retention.
• Urinary-tract infection.
• Infertility.
• Blood poisoning.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam and a digital rectal exam (DRE). With DRE, a gloved, lubricated finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. Medical tests may include blood, urine, and prostate secretion studies. Urodynamic tests can check bladder function. Other tests may be done.
• Treatment will depend on the type of prostatitis.
• Bacterial infections are treated with drugs. In some cases, hospital care and IV drugs may be needed.
• Treatment for nonbacterial types of prostatitis may include drugs, other therapies, lifestyle changes, counseling, and, rarely, surgery. There is no specific cure. More than one type of treatment is often needed. Your health care provider will explain and discuss the treatment options with you.
• Lifestyle changes may involve diet and exercise.
• Counseling may help with stress or sexual dysfunction problems. Support groups may help some patients.
• Rarely, surgery is needed for complications.
• For home care to relieve discomfort—sit in a tub with 6 to 8 inches of warm water for 15 minutes at least 3 times a day. Use an inflatable donut cushion for sitting.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infection.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs for pain.
  • Drugs to help improve bladder or prostate function.
  • Alternative agents (e.g., herbal or plant-based).
  • Stool softeners.

activity

• Stay active. Walking is a good exercise.
• Pelvic floor exercises (called Kegel) may be recommended. You will be instructed on how to do them.

diet

Avoid alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods. These irritate the urethra. Drink plenty of fluids.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of prostatitis.
• Symptoms don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: