Prostatitis Prostatitis

Prostatitis

Do you have symptoms of prostatitis?

Visit Steinberg Urology for a consultation with our urologists to address your concerns, perform diagnosis and provide you on advice as to what treatments are likely to fit your individual circumstances.

PROSTATITIS – PROSTATE INFECTION

Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland situated directly below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces fluid (semen) that nourishes and transports sperm.

There are several types of prostatitis. They vary based on how long a man has had the problem and what kind of symptoms he has. Prostatitis often causes painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals and sometimes flu-like symptoms.

Prostatitis can cause urinary problems and issues with sexual performance. It affects men of all ages but tends to be more common in men 50 or younger. If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Depending on the cause, prostatitis can come on gradually or suddenly. It might improve quickly, either on its own or with treatment.

SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATITIS

Prostatitis often causes painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals and sometimes flu-like symptoms.

Depending on the cause, prostatitis can come on gradually or suddenly. It might improve quickly, either on its own or with treatment. Some types of prostatitis last for months or keep recurring (chronic prostatitis). The common signs of prostatitis may include:

  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Pain during ejaculation

Though prostatitis is painful and uncomfortable it is not life threatening nor is it an indicator of prostate cancer.

THINK YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATITIS?

Take a quiz on our website. Use your answers talk to your doctor about your symptoms. The quiz will assist your doctor to assess your symptoms and create a personalised management plan and and suitable treatment options.

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Prostatitis Symptoms

CAUSES OF PROSTATITIS

Prostatitis affects men of all ages but tends to be more common in men 50 or younger. The condition has a number of causes. If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Prostatitis is caused by one of three conditions:

Acute Prostatitis

Acute Prostatitis is the result of bacterial infection, usually E. coli.

In addition to the standard symptoms, acute prostatitis may also include:

  • High fever
  • Nausea
  • Inability to urinate
  • Tender prostate

Patients typically become very ill and should seek medical attention immediately

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis is a low-grade infection of the prostate that continues over time.

In addition to the typical symptoms of prostatitis, patients may experience:

  • Low grade fever
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Patients often require a long regimen of antibiotics (6 weeks)

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain is not a bacterial infection but can present with many of the same symptoms.

In addition to the typical symptoms of prostatitis, patients may experience:

  • Spasms in pelvic muscles
  • Inflammation of the prostate
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

RISK FACTORS

  • Being a young or middle-aged man.
  • 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, such as an injury from bicycling or horseback riding.
  • Using a tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder (urinary catheter).
  • Having HIV/AIDS.
  • Having had a prostate biopsy.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Complications of prostatitis can include:

  • Bacterial infection of the blood (bacteremia).
  • Inflammation of the coiled tube attached to the back of the testicle (epididymitis).
  • Pus-filled cavity in the prostate (prostatic abscess).
  • Semen abnormalities and infertility, which can occur with chronic prostatitis.
  • There’s no direct evidence that prostatitis can lead to prostate cancer.

LIFESTYLE IMPACTS

Patients with chronic prostatitis can try to reduce the impact of their symptoms:

  • Avoid spicy foods
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Less acidic food or drink
  • Exercise regularly
  • Use of a heating pad or donut cushion
  • Over the counter pain medications

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing prostatitis involves ruling out other conditions as the cause of your symptoms and determining what kind of prostatitis you have. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. He or she will also do a physical exam, which will likely include a digital rectal examination. In this test, the doctor puts a gloved, lubricated finger in your rectum to feel your prostate. You may also need blood and urine tests to find out which type of prostatitis you have or to look for another cause of your problems.

Initial diagnostic tests might include:

  • Urine tests. Your doctor might have a sample of your urine analyzed to look for signs of infection in your urine (urinalysis). Your doctor might also send a sample of your urine to a lab to determine if you have an infection.
  • Blood tests. Your doctor might examine samples of your blood for signs of infection and other prostate problems.
  • Post-prostatic massage. In rare cases, your doctor might massage your prostate and test the secretions.
diagnostics

Urinary Flow Test

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Bladder Ultrasound

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Lab Test

PROSTATITIS TREATMENT

Specific treatments and tests will vary depending on the cause of the problem.

ACUTE PROSTATITIS

The condition is diagnosed with by testing urine and blood for bacteria.

Treatment can include:

  • Intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics
  • Catheter to drain bladder if patient is unable to urinate
  • Prescription pain killers
  • Intravenous fluids
  • Possible hospitalization

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CHRONIC BACTERIAL PROSTATITIS

Treatment includes:

  • 6-12-week regimen of specific antibiotics which are able to penetrate the prostate.
  • Alpha blockers reduce symptoms by relaxing the muscles in the prostate.
  • Anti-inflammatory

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CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN

The condition is often misdiagnosed but urine tests will show no signs of infection. Inflammation may be present. Symptoms tend to come and go. Treatment can include:

  • Pain killers
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Physiotherapy for the pelvic muscles

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At Steinberg Urology we pride ourselves on our compassionate care we offer to those facing challenges that affect their quality of life. Our urologists have years of experience and a commitment to excellence.

If you need to discuss this sensitive medical concern, schedule a consultation at our clinic in a safe confidential environment. Let us help you achieve optimal health and wellness in a professional setting.

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