Prostatitis

What is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is a common condition that affects the prostate gland. It can cause inflammation and pain, and some types of prostatitis are caused by bacterial infections.

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland in men that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.

Are there different types of prostatitis?

There are four types of prostatitis:

• Chronic prostatitis (or chronic pelvic pain syndrome): The most common type of prostatitis, it can cause pelvic, perineal and genital pain. It is not caused by an infection and can last months or years.
• Acute bacterial prostatitis: Caused by a bacterial infection, this type of prostatitis can have sudden symptoms.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Also caused by bacteria, this infection that persists or keep coming back. Symptoms may be gradual and are often less serious than those associated with acute bacterial prostatitis.
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (nonbacterial prostatitis). This can cause an inflamed prostate with no symptoms. It is not caused by an infection.

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

The symptoms of prostatitis will vary depending on the type of prostatitis and the cause. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis may have no symptoms. The symptoms of the other types of prostatitis may include:

• Pain in your genitals, perineum, abdomen or lower back
• Painful urination
• Problems urinating (interrupted flow, difficulty starting, dribbling)
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Fever, chills or muscle aches.

If you experience any of these symptoms, always talk to your doctor.

What causes prostatitis?

The cause of prostatitis will depend on the type.

• Chronic prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome): The exact cause is not fully understood, but contributing factors may include previous infections, stress, hormone problems or conditions that affect the nervous system or immune system.
• Acute bacterial prostatitis: This is caused by a bacterial infection, which may have spread from other parts of the urinary system.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: This is also caused by a bacterial infection.
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: The cause is not fully understood. It is often discovered during medical tests for other conditions.

Bacterial infections that cause prostatitis may be as a result of:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Prostate or bladder stones
• Having a urinary catheter
• Urinary blockage
• Injury to the pelvic area.

What are the potential complications of prostatitis?

Acute bacterial prostatitis may increase your risk of developing sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Prostatitis may also cause inflammation that can spread to other organs near your prostate. It may also lead to sexual dysfunction.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will first discuss your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. They may perform tests to look for signs of infection, including:

• Digital rectal exam: Your doctor may examine the prostate to assess its size, tenderness and other abnormalities.
• Urine tests: These can detect an infection and the bacteria responsible.
• Blood tests: these can detect infection and other prostate conditions.If no infection is found, other tests may be ordered, including:
• Urodynamic tests: These can assess how the bladder and urethra can hold and release urine and determine the cause of urination problems.
• Imaging tests: These can identify growths or abnormalities in the prostate and pelvic area.

How is prostatitis treated?

Prostatitis treatment will vary depending on the type and cause and your symptoms.

Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis require antibiotics. These may be given intravenously or orally. It is important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you how long to take them and whether further assessment is needed

Urinary symptoms, such as pain while urinating or problems urinating, can be treated with medication called alpha-blockers. These help to relax the neck of the bladder and the area where the prostate joins the bladder. Your doctor may also recommend taking pain relief.

When should I see a doctor about prostatitis?

Always see a doctor if you have symptoms of prostatitis. Seek urgent medical advice if you have been taking antibiotics for prostatitis for 48 hours and your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, if you are unable to pee or if you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, chills).

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the signs of a severe infection or sepsis, which may include:

• Confusion
• Pale or blue-colored skin or lips
• Difficulty breathing
• A rash that doesn’t fade

Can prostatitis be prevented?

Treating UTIs immediately may help reduce the risk of complications. If you notice any pain in your pelvic area or changes in urination, always see your doctor as this may prevent prostatitis from getting worse.