-prostatitis : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland situated directly below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces fluid (semen) that nourishes and transports sperm.

What are the symptoms of Prostatitis?

The following are signs and symptoms that may be present with prostatitis:

• Painful, difficult and/or frequent urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Groin pain, rectal pain, abdominal pain and/or low back pain
• Fever and chills
• Malaise and body aches
• Urethral discharge
• Painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction

What are the causes of Prostatitis?

Acute bacterial prostatitis is often caused by common strains of bacteria. The infection can start when bacteria in urine leak into your prostate. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. If they don't eliminate the bacteria prostatitis might recur or be difficult to treat (chronic bacterial prostatitis). Nerve damage in the lower urinary tract, which can be caused by surgery or trauma to the area, might contribute to prostatitis not caused by a bacterial infection. In many cases of prostatitis, the cause isn't identified.

What are the tests to diagnose Prostatitis?

Initial diagnostic tests might include:

• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Post-prostatic massage
• Imaging tests

Based on your symptoms and test results, your doctor might conclude that you have one of the following types of prostatitis:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

What are the treatments of Prostatitis?

Prostatitis treatments depend on the underlying cause. They can include:

• Antibiotics. This is the most commonly prescribed treatment for prostatitis. Your doctor will choose your medication based on the type of bacteria that might be causing your infection.
• Alpha blockers. These medications help relax the bladder neck and the muscle fibers where your prostate joins your bladder. This treatment might ease symptoms, such as painful urination.
• Anti-inflammatory agents. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might make you more comfortable.