Prostate Infections (Prostatitis)

Prostatitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the prostate and sometimes the area around it. There are several types of prostatitis, each with a range of symptoms. Some men with the disease will experience severe pain and others will not be bothered. The rest fall in between the two. However, the symptoms of the disease do have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life, so it is important to meet with a doctor about this condition.

Prostatitis risk factors

Age.
Past episodes of prostatitis.
Having an infection in the bladder or the urethra.
Having a pelvic trauma.
Dehydration.
Use of a catheter.
Unprotected sexual intercourse.
HIV/AIDS.
Being under significant amounts of stress.
Family/genetic history.

Prostatitis symptoms

Because there are four types of prostatitis, different symptoms can be associated with each one. The following symptoms are divided by type:

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)

Trouble urinating.
Pain in the bladder, testicles and anus.
Trouble or pain with ejaculation.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Burning while urinating.
Frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
Pain in the bladder, testicles and anus.
Painful ejaculation.
Blood in the semen.

Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis

Chills.
Fever.
Severe burning during urination.
Trouble draining bladder fully.

Asymptotic inflammatory prostatitis

No symptoms will be associated.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

Multiple tests can be performed to help confirm a diagnosis of prostatitis, including:

Digital rectal exam.
Ultrasound.
Urine test.
Blood test.
Cystoscopy.
Urine flow studies.

How is prostatitis treated?

In most cases, anti-inflammatory medicines will be prescribed to help treat prostatitis and sometimes antibiotics are necessary. Depending on the type, the duration of antibiotics will vary. Many doctors will have other suggestions that may help in easing the pain or might suggest alterations to daily activities or diet.