Prostatitis is an inflammation-related condition of the prostate gland. Prostatitis frequently causes painful or difficult urination, as well as groin, pelvic, or genital discomfort. Some cases of prostatitis are caused by bacterial infections, but not all.
In males, the prostate gland, which is roughly the size of a walnut, is positioned directly below the bladder. It encircles the apex of the tube that drains pee from the bladder (urethra). The fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation is produced by the prostate and other sex glands (semen).
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PPROSTATITIS?
Prostatitis is classified into four types:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis: a bacterial infection of the prostate that generally manifests as abrupt and severe symptoms
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis: persistent or recurrent bacterial infection with generally milder symptoms
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: continuous or recurrent pelvic discomfort and urinary tract symptoms without infection
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: There are no symptoms of an irritated prostate.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATITIS?
Prostatitis signs and symptoms differ based on the type of disease. They might include:
- When urinating, you may experience pain or a burning sensation (dysuria)
- Abdominal, groin, or lower back pain
- Pain between the scrotum and the rectum (perineum)
- Penis or testicular pain or discomfort
- Excruciating ejaculation
- Urinary difficulties, like dribbling or reluctant urination
- Urination on a regular basis, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency to urinate
- Urine that is cloudy
- Urine with blood
- Fever, chills, aches and pains in the muscles, and other flu-like symptoms (with acute bacterial prostatitis)
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PROSTATITIS?
The causes of prostatitis differ based on the kind.
Acute bacterial prostatitis: is mainly caused by common bacterial strains. The infection might have spread through the urinary or reproductive systems.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: has the same etiology as an acute bacterial infection. It can happen if the therapy for an acute infection isn't lengthy enough or doesn't kill all of the germs.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: is poorly understood. According to research, numerous factors may be involved. Previous illness, neurological system malfunction, immune system dysfunction, psychological stress, or abnormal hormone activity are examples of these.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: It has no known origin, is usually discovered during an examination for other medical disorders, and is not treated
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR PROSTATITIS?
Prostatitis risk factors include:
- Adulthood, either young or middle-aged
- Prostatitis in the past
- Urinary or reproductive system infection
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Bladder drainage through the urethra using a tube (urinary catheter)
- Diagnostic sampling of prostate tissue (biopsy)
Another risk factor for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic discomfort syndrome is:
- Stress on the mind
- Nerve injury in the pelvic area as a result of surgery or trauma
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF PROSTATITIS?
Acute or chronic prostatitis complications might include:
- Blood bacterial infection (bacteremia)
- Inflammation of the coiled tube connecting to the testicle's back (epididymitis)
- Prostate cavity filled with pus (prostatic abscess)
- Infection that extends to the upper pelvic bone or lower spine
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic discomfort syndrome complications may include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Inability to obtain and sustain an erection is an example of sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction)
- Changes in sperm and sperm that can lead to infertility
There is no direct evidence linking prostatitis to prostate cancer. Researchers are looking at whether persistent prostate inflammation is a risk factor for cancer.
HOW IS PROSTATITIS DIAGNOSED?
A variety of disorders might induce the symptoms associated with prostatitis. You may be sent to a urinary and reproductive system expert (urologist). Your doctor will perform a physical examination, assess your symptoms and medical history, and request tests to rule out specific disorders.
Bacterial infection diagnostic test
Infection diagnostic testing will most likely include:
- Digital rectal examination: In this treatment, your doctor inserts a greased, gloved finger into your rectum to identify prostate inflammation.
- Urine test: A urine sample will be required to be examined for the presence and type of bacterial infection.
- Blood test: Blood samples may be analyzed for symptoms of infection and other prostate issues.
- Prostatic specimen test: During a rectal exam, a health care professional may gently massage the prostate to discharge prostate fluid into your urethra. A urine sample is collected after the massage to test for bacteria.
Other tests
If early testing reveal no evidence of illness, you may be subjected to further tests, such as:
- Urodynamic tests: A number of tests are available to assess how effectively the bladder and urethra contain and discharge urine. These tests can assist describe urination difficulties and pinpoint the cause of the problem.
- Imaging: Imaging studies may be conducted to detect prostate abnormalities, abnormal growths, or other disorders in the pelvic region that may be causing pain.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR PROSTATITIS?
The treatment for prostatitis is determined on the kind of prostatitis identified and your symptoms.
Infection treatment
Antibiotics will be prescribed if you have acute or persistent bacterial prostatitis. Acute illness may necessitate the use of intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital for a short length of time. Antibiotic therapy typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks — or more in rare circumstances. It is important to take all of the prescribed medications in order to eliminate the infection and reduce the risk of chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Treatment of urinary symptoms
Alpha-blockers are medications that assist relax the bladder neck and the muscle fibers where your prostate enters your bladder. This therapy may help with urinary symptoms including uncomfortable or difficult urinating. While this is most typically given for males with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, it may also be used to treat urinary symptoms caused by bacterial infections.
Pain treatment
Your doctor may prescribe pain medicine or recommend over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
Taking care of psychological symptoms
To help you manage stress, sadness, or anxiety that may be connected with chronic pain, your health care physician may prescribe psychotherapy with a mental health care specialist.
HOME REMEDIES FOR PROSTATITIS
Some prostatitis symptoms may be relieved by the following remedies:
- Use a heating pad or soak in a warm bath (sitz bath).
- Limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy or acidic meals, and other items that might irritate your bladder.
- Consume lots of water. This will lead you to pee more frequently and will aid in the removal of germs from your bladder.