Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men that surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces a fluid that is part of semen.
There are three types of Prostatitis:
  • Acute bacterial
  • Chronic bacterial
  • Chronic non-bacterial/prostadynia

Causes

Acute and chronic bacterial Prostatitis are caused by bacteria that infect the prostate gland. The bacteria usually come from the urinary tract or rectum. The cause of non-bacterial prostatitis is unknown, though some may be due to a bacterial infection that is left undiagnosed.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Medical procedures that involve inserting a catheter or other tubing into your urethra or rectum
  • Engaging in anal intercourse
  • Recent bladder infection
  • Abnormal urinary tract

Symptoms

Symptoms of Prostatitis can come on slowly or suddenly. They can be mild, or quite severe. In non-bacterial Prostatitis, symptoms often come and go.
Symptoms may include:
  • Needing to urinate frequently and/or urgently (especially at night)
  • Pain or burning while urinating
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Lower abdominal pain or pressure
  • Rectal or perineal discomfort
  • Lower back pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Impotence (due to inflammation)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis of Prostatitis is usually based on the symptoms and a digital rectal exam. In this test, the doctor places a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the back wall of the prostate. In Prostatitis, the prostate is usually tender and soft.
Tests may include:
  • Analysis of urine and prostate fluid expressed after the digital rectal exam
  • Bladder function tests

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of Prostatitis:
Infectious Prostatitis-
Acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with oral antibiotics for 1-2 weeks. In severe cases, treatment with intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is also treated with oral antibiotics for 4-12 weeks. Other medications include:
  • Stool softeners
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Other analgesics
  • Avoiding alcohol or caffeinated beverages
Non-infectious Prostatitis

Often patients are initially given a course of antibiotics. This is just in case an infectious cause was missed. Other treatments include:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Pain killers
  • Warm sitz baths

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing prostatitis.