Confused About Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is a common
and sometimes confusing disease that affects adult men over the
age of 30. Simply put, it is an inflammation or infection of the
prostate gland. Symptoms of this disease can include intense pain,
urinary complications, sexual dysfunction, and infertility. The
term prostatitis actually encompasses four different disorders.
The symptoms may vary according to the type prostatitis.
Types of Prostatitis
- Acute bacterial
prostatitis is the easiest of the four types to diagnose
and treat. It is also the least common. Acute bacterial prostatitis
is usually the result of an infection that has spread to the prostate
from the urethra or rectal area. Sexually transmitted organisms
may also cause acute prostatitis. The symptoms of this type of
prostatitis come on suddenly and require quick medical attention.
Symptoms can include fever, chills, burning or painful urination,
and pain in the genital area and lower back, urination becomes
more frequent, urgent and painful. Urine may also be cloudy or
present with blood. Your doctor will detect white blood cells
in your urine, along with a positive bacteria culture. This type
of prostatitis is treated with appropriate antibiotics for 1-2
weeks.
- Chronic bacterial
prostatitis is generally associated with repeated urinary
tract infections. Like acute bacterial prostatitis it is one of
the least common forms. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is predominantly
caused by E.coli, although infection may also be traced to sexually
transmitted organisms. Chronic bacterial prostatitis may also
stem from cystitis, urethritis, and epididymitis. This form of
prostatitis comes on gradually and may be exacerbated by other
factors such as excessive alcohol or trauma. These factors are
believed to cause congestion within the prostate gland, resulting
in a breeding ground for bacteria. Treatment usually involves
and antibiotic therapy for 6-12 weeks, prostate massage therapy,
and ultimately can result in surgical removal of the area.
- Nonbacterial prostatitis
is the most common form of prostatitis, and the least understood
of the four disorders. Nonbacterial prostatitis can be a chronic,
painful condition found in men of all ages. Symptoms simulate
those of chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, patients with
nonbacterial prostatitis rarely have a history of urinary tract
infections. Fluids from the prostate contain white blood cells
that your body usually produces to fight an infection. These white
blood cells are present even though you have a negative bacteria
culture. Although though no known bacterial organism is found,
doctors often treat with antibiotics. Muscle relaxants, and prostate
massage therapy are also sometimes used. Most treatments often
aren’t proven to work, and often fail.
- Prostatodynia
is also fairly common and is the most painful prostatitis
disorder. With prostatodynia there is no history of urinary tract
infection, and cultures are negative. Sitz baths and alpha blocking
drugs such as Cardura are often prescribed. Like nonbacterial
prostatitis, treatment methods often fail.
Treatment depends on the
type of prostatitis you have. Consult your physician if you think
you have prostatitis.
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