Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, often causing swelling or pain. This common condition takes three forms, ranging from annoying to severe.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
This is the most common type of prostatitis. Causes may include the following:
Causes may include the following:
Causes may include the following:
Symptoms may include the following:
Just below your bladder and in front of your rectum is a small reproductive gland called the prostate. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder. The prostate produces most of your semen, the fluid that carries sperm through the ducts (tubes). During orgasm, this prostate fluid is squeezed through the ducts, into the urethra, and out through the penis.
| Why Problems Can Develop For a variety of reasons ranging from stress to bacterial infection, prostatic ducts may become inflamed, irritated, or blocked. That's when prostatitis may develop. Some medical conditions or procedures (such as strokes or catheterization) may also cause urinary retention and lead to prostatitis. |
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| A normal prostrate doesn't interfere with the urethra or urination. | |
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| An inflamed prostate may cause symptoms such as pain |
YOUR DIAGNOSIS
By thoroughly examining bath your urine and your prostate, your doctor can begin to identify which type of prostatitis you have and rule out more serious problems.
Urine Collection
Samples from both your urine and your prostate can reveal whether the problem is in the urethra, bladder, or prostate. You'll be asked to collect one or more samples from your urine stream.
Digital Rectal Exam
Your doctor inserts a well-lubricated gloved finger into your rectum to determine the size and shape of your prostate, and to check for abnormalities.
Prostatic Massage
To collect a sample of prostatic fluid, your doctor may press on your prostate. This forces prostatic fluid out into the urethra.
Ruling Out Other Problems
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test may be done to measure levels of a prostate chemical in your blood. Both infection and cancer can increase PSA levels. Transrectal ultrasound may be done if cancer is suspected or abscesses are present. An ultrasound probe inserted a short way into the rectum is used to create a clear image of your prostate on a video screen.
YOUR TREATMENT
To treat your symptoms and the underlying condition, medications or other treatments may be recommended. If your doctor finds that you have an infection, medication can usually clear it up completely.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants are often used to ease the symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis. Other recommendations may include taking hot baths, relaxing when urinating, drinking more fluids, and ejaculating frequently (to help drain the gland and relax the muscles). Your doctor may also suggest a few dietary changes.
Acute Prostatitis
Prostate infections are often treated with antibiotics that are taken for at least a week. Bed rest, stool softeners, and increased fluid intake may also be recommended.
Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic infections may be treated with antibiotics or other medications. If medication does not help, your doctor may discuss other treatment options with you. PROSTATE HEALTH FOR LIFE
As you age, you become more susceptible to prostate problems, including cancer. Regular prostate checkups help ensure that any problems can be treated early. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly digital rectal exams for men over age 40 and yearly PSA blood tests for men over age 50.
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