Frequently Asked Questions About Prostatitis / Inflamed Prostate

Prostate inflammation, known as prostatitis, accounts for an estimated two million medical appointments each year. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that empties urine from the bladder. The inflammation or swelling of the prostate can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and possibly influence other aspects of your urinary health, as well; seriously undermining your quality of life. Prostatitis is treatable with antibiotics and does not lead to cancer.

Fortunately, you can keep an inflamed prostate under control once you understand how to recognize the condition, what factors may cause or aggravate it, and how prompt medical treatment and smart lifestyle habits can help. The answers to these frequently asked questions about prostates can point you in the right direction.

What is Prostatitis?

The male reproductive gland, known as the prostate, contributes fluid to the semen in which sperm cells thrive. If your prostate becomes inflamed, painful, and swollen, you likely have a condition called prostatitis. The swelling usually stems from a chronic or acute irritation or infection, which is different from the common enlarged prostate that frequently affects older men. Prostatitis is a common urinary tract problem for men of all ages.

Why Do Men Get Prostatitis?

Men may get any of four primary types of prostatitis, each of which has its own potential causes. An infection involving E. coli or other common bacteria can produce either acute (severe) or chronic bacterial prostatitis. The chronic or long-lasting type, which occurs more often in older men, may stem from acute bacterial prostatitis or a urinary tract infection.

Another type of chronic prostatitis is also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Researchers believe that it may have links to underlying conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic stress, and nerve damage, or other injuries involving the urinary system.

Some men have an elevated risk for prostatitis. If you have a history of other prostate issues, groin injuries, or urinary tract infections, your risk for this condition goes up. You may also find yourself more vulnerable to prostatitis if you suffer from a sexually transmitted disease or use a urinary catheter.

What Are the Symptoms of an Inflamed Prostrate?

Typical symptoms of prostatitis include cloudy urine, increased urinary urgency or frequency, and difficult or uncomfortable urination. You might notice blood in your semen or urine, pain during ejaculation, and pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, or groin. Acute or severe bacterial prostatitis can cause chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

How Do Doctors Treat Prostatitis?

Doctors can perform many diagnostic tests to determine whether you have prostatitis, and if so, what variant of the condition you suffer from. A digital rectal exam allows the doctor to feel for signs of enlargement, while urine, blood, semen, and prostate biopsy testing can pinpoint the exact cause and severity of the disease.

Antibiotic drugs can often tame a case of bacterial prostatitis. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, or antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs, which have been found to ease pain associated with bacterial prostatitis. Alpha-blockers may also be prescribed to relax the urinary tract for easier urination and to reduce the risk of prostatitis triggers, such as urinary tract infections.

Some severe or chronic cases of prostatitis may call for more than just medication. If you keep struggling with bouts of prostatitis, you may benefit from prostate massage or exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. If your swollen prostate won't allow urine to pass, you might also need a urinary catheter.

How Can Lifestyle Changes Help You Manage or Prevent Prostatitis?

You can reduce your prostatitis symptoms or recurrences by treating your prostate with a little extra consideration in your everyday life. Stay hydrated to dilute your urine and keep your bladder flushed out Always use a cushion when you are sitting for long periods of time and keep as active as you can, since some men report that working out relieves their symptoms. If pain threatens, comforting sitz baths may prove helpful. Limit consuming things that irritate the bladder, including spicy foods, alcohol, and stimulants.

Some lifestyle choices can also help you reduce your odds of getting prostatitis in the first place. For instance, using condoms during sex can help avoid sexually transmitted diseases and their associated prostatitis risks.

If you think you might have prostatitis or a related urinary tract condition, contact Nashville Healthcare Center for an examination. Our skilled Urology team can diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatments to help you feel better.