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Prostatitis

What is prostatitis? 

Prostatitis is a common condition that can happen to men of all ages, but it is usually seen in men 50 years old or younger. Prostatitis is the swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. It sits under the bladder and in front of the rectum.  The prostate is surrounded by muscles and nerves therefore prostatitis can be very painful.  It can come on gradually or suddenly and can last for months or keep recurring.

There are 4 types of prostatitis:

  • Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS)
  • Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
  • Acute (Sudden) Bacterial Prostatitis
  • Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis

Signs and Symptoms 

Prostatitis symptoms can vary depending on the type. Some universal signs and symptoms to look for are:

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating, difficulty urinating, or frequent/urgent urinating
  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back
  • Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum
  • Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Flu-like signs and symptoms

If left untreated, some types of prostatitis can cause worsening infection or other health problems. Be sure to make an appointment to see your doctor is you experience any of these symptoms. 

Risks and Causes

It isn't clear what causes most cases of prostatitis but it is thought to be a bacterial infection. Nonbacterial prostatitis may be linked to stress, nerve inflammation or irritation, injuries or prior urinary tract infections. Certain things that can raise the risk of getting prostatitis like:

  • Having had prostatitis previously
  • Having an infection in the bladder or the tube that transports semen and urine to the penis (urethra)
  • Having pelvic trauma
  • Having had a prostate biopsy

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing prostatitis involves ruling out other conditions as the cause of your symptoms and determining what kind of prostatitis you have. Your physician might order:

  • A physical exam
  • Urine tests
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging tests

Treatments also will depend on the kind of prostatitis you are diagnosed with. Some forms of relief include: 

  • Antibiotics (might be taken for days or weeks at a time) 
  • Pain medicines (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) and muscle relaxers
  • Prostatic massage
  • Home remedies (hot baths, hot water bottles, or heating pads)
  • Surgery in severe circumstances

Getting the right diagnosis is the key to taking care of prostatitis and at Lee Health we are equipped with the best care to help relieve you're discomfort.