Prostatitis

Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate, a walnut-sized gland directly below a man’s bladder. The condition affects men of all ages but is more common in men under 50.

Prostatitis can develop suddenly or gradually, can improve on its own or with treatment, and can last months or become chronic. These factors depend on which type of prostatitis is present.

The cause of prostatitis is not always known, but possible causes are bacterial infection and nerve damage in the lower urinary tract from surgery or trauma.

Types of Prostatitis

• Acute bacterial prostatitis generally starts suddenly and causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis can develop if antibiotics don't eliminate acute bacterial prostatitis.
• Chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is the most common type of prostatitis. It’s not caused by bacteria, and often a cause can’t be identified.
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis doesn't cause symptoms and is usually only found when being tested for other conditions. It doesn’t require treatment.

Symptoms

The symptoms you may experience with prostatitis depend upon the cause and can include:

• Pain or burning with urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back
• Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum
• Pain or discomfort of the genitals
• Painful ejaculation
• Flu-like symptoms (with bacterial prostatitis)

Treatment

Treatment of prostatitis depends on the cause of the condition and can include the following:

• Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for cases of prostatitis suspected to be caused by bacteria. In severe cases, IV antibiotics may be used.
• Alpha blockers help relax the bladder and the muscles that join your prostate to your bladder, helping to ease symptoms like painful urination.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of prostatitis, the Urology specialists at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Houston have the expertise to diagnose the condition, determine the cause, and provide treatment, if necessary.