Prostatitis is the general name for inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located in front of the rectum and right below the bladder in males. The function of the prostate gland is to help produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm.
More than one million men visit their doctors every year for the treatment of prostatitis.
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What Is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is the term given to describe the inflammation of the prostate, a gland located in the groin region of the body in people with male genitalia. The prostate helps make seminal fluid, which is vital for the creation and ejaculation of semen through the urethra. The urethra is the tube connected to the bladder to pass urine and semen.
Prostatitis can have a few causes but similar symptoms; some cases can even be asymptomatic.
The signs of prostatitis are commonly a feeling of pressure or pain in the areas surrounding the prostate, which may be felt in:
- Lower abdomen.
- Lower back.
- Penis.
- Perineum (between the scrotum and anus).
- Scrotum.
What are the types of prostatitis?
The two types of prostatitis are:
- Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis — Most common among men who have undergone surgery or trauma to the lower urinary tract. It is also believed that stress may be a contributing factor. The exact cause is still unknown, but believed to be a microorganism that is not a bacterial infection.
- Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome — This condition is caused by a bacterial infection. The infection can occur when bacteria travel down the urethra to the prostate. The acute form of infection appears rapidly and lasts only a short time, but it can develop into a chronic condition that takes time to appear and can remain in the body for years.
How common is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is the most common urinary tract condition for men under 50. According to the National Institute for Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disease, prostatitis may account for up to 25% of all office visits by young and middle-aged men with genitourinary complaints. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome affects about 10% to 15% of the male population.
What causes prostatitis?
Prostatitis may be acute or chronic, and may not be inflammatory. Some types of prostatitis are caused by bacterial infections, and others are not. The mechanism by which the prostate becomes infected is not clearly understood.
It is possible that infected urine may flow backward from the urethra into parts of the prostate gland. Rectal bacteria may also find their way into the prostate.
Prostatitis risk factors
Certain conditions or medical procedures increase the risk of contracting prostatitis:
- A medical instrument, such as a urinary catheter, inserted during a medical procedure.
- A recent bladder infection.
- An abnormal urinary tract.
- An enlarged prostate gland.
- Anal intercourse (sex).
Complications of prostatitis
If left undiagnosed, prostatitis can develop into more serious and possibly life-threatening conditions. For instance, if a bacterial infection causes the condition, it could spread to the bloodstream and affect other regions of the body. The inflammation can spread to the other organs in the groin, like the sex organs, which can result in sexual dysfunction. Or the inflammation can cause an abscess, a pus-filled cavity in the prostate itself.
How can I reduce my risk of prostatitis?
There is currently no clear indication that prostatitis can be prevented. However, clinical trials are trying to determine if changes in diet and exercise have an impact on the occurrence of the condition.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostatitis?
Prostatitis symptoms depend on the cause and may develop slowly or suddenly.
Symptoms may include:
- Blood in urine.
- Cloudy urine.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Flu-like symptoms (acute bacterial prostatitis).
- Frequent urination.
- Painful urination.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Pain in the penis, testicles, scrotum, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus).
- Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back.
- Urgent urination.
Men who experience sudden and severe symptoms, including chills and fever, should seek medical help immediately.
When should I see a doctor about my prostatitis symptoms?
Having any of the symptoms listed above is an immediate sign that you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Getting prostatitis diagnosed and treated early can help prevent damage to your prostate that could affect your ability to achieve orgasm, as well as limit the condition from developing into something else or worsening.
How Do You Diagnose Prostatitis?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis of prostatitis is usually based on the symptoms and digital rectal exam.
Tests to diagnose prostatitis
Tests may include:
- Bladder function tests — To help determine the function of the bladder.
- Blood tests — Test the blood for signs of infection.
- Imaging tests — A CT scan of your urinary tract and prostate or a sonogram of your prostate.
- Physical exam/digital rectal exam — The doctor places a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the back wall of the prostate. In prostatitis, the prostate is usually tender and soft. Your doctor may also complete an analysis of urine and prostate fluid expressed after the exam.
- Urine tests — Test the urine to check for infection.
Prostatitis prognosis
Prostatitis is a curable condition, but its chronic form can take years of treatment to alleviate symptoms. Unless the condition is left undiagnosed or untreated for an excessive time, it can be reversed. The longer a condition has gone untreated, the more likely it is that another condition has developed as a result.
How Do You Treat Prostatitis?
Treatment for bacterial prostatitis differs from treatment for nonbacterial prostatitis, so it is crucial to get the correct diagnosis. It is also important to ensure that the symptoms are not caused by a different urologic condition.
The most common treatment for prostatitis is antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. Other forms of treatment may include more aggressive surgical treatments, if necessary. Alternatives to medicine include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the prostate and relaxation techniques like sitz baths or acupuncture.
How effective is treatment?
Treatment effectiveness is dependent on the severity of the condition. Medicine can be most effective when the condition is caught early; otherwise, a surgical intervention may be necessary.
