Advanced Expertise in Diagnosing and Treating Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate gland – a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men – becomes swollen and inflamed. Common signs and symptoms of prostatitis include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Urination problems such as dribbling, urgency or frequency
• Cloudy or blood-tinged urine
• Pain in the abdomen, groin, lower back, penis or testicles
• Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum)
• Painful ejaculation

Prostatitis is not cancer and it is different from BPH (enlarged prostate) but can share many of the same symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important to be evaluated by a men’s health specialist.

Types of Prostatitis

Bacterial Prostatitis

If bacteria gets into the urethra (the tube that runs through the penis and into the bladder), it can find its way to your prostate and cause an infection. Bacterial prostatitis can be either acute or chronic:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis usually starts suddenly and in addition to the symptoms listed above, can quickly lead to high fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. It can be a serious medical condition and men experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care right away.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a milder infection that can linger for several months. Some men get it after they’ve had a urinary tract infection or an episode of acute bacterial prostatitis. It is more common in older men.

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic prostatitis is the most common type of prostatitis. It shares many of the same symptoms as bacterial prostatitis, but when diagnostic tests are done, no bacteria is present. In some cases, it may be caused by injury or an immune system disorder but more often, an exact cause can't be identified. The symptoms of chronic prostatitis can persist for months or keep recurring.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostatitis

To diagnose prostatitis, your doctor will take a complete medical history and ask you about your symptoms. He or she will also do a physical exam, which will likely include a digital rectal examination. Diagnosis may also involve urine, blood and imaging tests.

For bacterial prostatitis, a multi-week course of antibiotics will usually be prescribed. The results of your blood and urine tests will help identify the type of bacteria causing your infection so the doctor can choose the most appropriate prostatitis medication.

For all types of prostatitis, you may be prescribed medications to help relax the bladder neck and the surrounding muscles to ease symptoms such as painful urination. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be recommended to make you more comfortable.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Living with Prostatitis

In addition to any medications your doctor may prescribe, the following lifestyle suggestions may help to ease your symptoms:

• Soak in a warm bath
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or acidic foods
• Avoid prolonged sitting or bicycling
• Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria from your bladder