PROSTATITIS
Prostatitis is one of the most challenging and frustrating diagnosis in urology. Much confusion exists because symptoms of prostatitis are not unique. The symptoms of prostatitis resemble those of other infections and diseases, such as urethritis, urinary tract infections and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
Our doctors at Cleveland Urology Associates specialize in treating chronic prostatitis using state of the art diagnostic and treatment modalities.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is an inflamation of the prostate gland
- Prostatitis can affect men of all ages. For men under 50, the most common prostate proble is prostatitis.
- Prostatitis is a major male helath care problem.
- Prostatitis accounts for 4 million office visits every year.
- It is estimated that 50% of all men will suffer prostatitis at some point during their life time.
What are different types of prostatitis?
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis
Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Caused by bacterial infection of prostate - E. Coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas
- If untreated, may lead to sepsis and prostte abscess
Symptoms:
- Lower abdominal, pelvic and perineal pain
- Painful urination
- Spiking fever, nausea, vomitting and signs of sepsis
- Prostate is swollen and boggy and extremely tender
Laboratory tests:
- CBC
- Urine and blood cultures
Treatment:
- Intravenous antibiotics
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Symptoms:
Symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis but less intense.
- prostate pain
- burning during urination
- urinary frequency, excessive urination during the night
- perineal, suprapubic and low back pain
- painful ejaculation
- blood in the semen
Diagnosis:
- Digital rectal examination
- Prostate massage and examination of prostate fluid under the microscope
- Transrectal ultrasound
- PSA
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture and sensitivity
- Cystoscopy
Treatment:
- Antibiotics for 4-12 weeks
- Prostate massage
- Various heat therapies
Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis
Also called prostatodysnia or chronic prostatitis syndrome
- Most common type of prostatitis
- Exact cause is unknown
- Pelvic muscle spasm
- Inflammation in the prostate
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
- May be caused by atypical organisms, Chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma
Symptoms:
- Difficulty voiding
- Painful urination
- Discomfort in the perineum, bladder, prostate, low back pain and testicular pain
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the semen
Treatment:
- Long term antibiotic
- Anti-inflamatory drugs
- Alpha blockers such as Cardura, Hytrin, Flomax, Doxazosin
- Prostate massage
- Heat therapy
- Relaxation exercise
- Change in life style
- Discontinue spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol
Some facts you should know about prostatitis
- Prostatitis is not contagious. If you have it, you will not pass it to your sexual partner.
- Prostatitis is a treatable disease
- Correct diagnosis is key to management of prostatitis
- Patients with prostatitis are not at higher risk for developing prostate cancer
Prevention:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
- Have regular sexual activity
- Exercise regularly