Natural Treatment For Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition that is defined by pain and inflammation in the male prostate gland.
A bacterial or fungal infection frequently causes it, but its not usually considered a contagious condition that can be passed to a sexual partner. In rare cases, it can be caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
While prostatitis can be uncomfortable, it is not usually a severe disease. Unpredictable episodes of pain and discomfort often characterize it.
Sometimes an infection elsewhere in the body can migrate to the prostate and cause pain.
Urinary tract infection is common and can cause an inflammatory reaction within the prostate and additional symptoms. Conversely, a bacterial infection in the prostate can initiate or exacerbate a UTI.
Does Prostatitis Cause Cancer
Although prostatitis can cause you trouble, it does not cause cancer. There is a blood test some doctors use for prostate cancer called the prostate-specific antigen test . If you have prostatitis, your PSA level might go up. This does not mean you have cancer. Your doctor will treat your prostatitis and may check your PSA level again.
Read the full article.
- Get immediate access, anytime, anywhere.
- Choose a single article, issue, or full-access subscription.
- Earn up to 6 CME credits per issue.
Nitric Oxide And Blood Flow
The blood vessels in the prostate are the smallest and most delicate in the body.
Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to relax so they can receive oxygenated blood. The popular erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis and Viagra work because they flood NO into the prostate region . 15
NO is anti-pathogenic, but unfortunately, infection reduces BH4, a chemical the body needs to make NO. 16 In addition, fungal pathogens cause an uptick in the production of uric acid in the body, and high levels of uric acid also prevent the synthesis of NO. 17
So, in essence, an infected prostate loses the ability to receive NO because the body uses BH4 to fight off the invaders, rather than to synthesize NO. The uric acid mediated disruption of NOS can come from the activity of the fungal pathogen OR it can be the result of a diet too high in animal protein and sugar, as well as the result of certain genetic mutations. Its likely all three factors combine to form the serum uric acid levels of any given individual.
Therefore, lingering infection means lower NO bioavailability, reduced blood flow, and greater risk for infection, or greater risk for lingering infection to better protect itself with production of biofilm. 18 Reduced BH4 also results in a process known as NOS uncoupling, which produces the free radical superoxide instead of NO.
For more on the genetics of NO production, see our NOS3 gene page.
Also Check: What Doctor Treats Prostate Cancer
Ways To Relieve Prostatitis Symptoms
If youre like many adult men, youve thought about your prostate health at some point in your life. Its an important issue because 90 percent of men experience some kind of problem with their prostate by the time they are 70 years old. And one of these problems is prostatitis.
Prostatitis is a common condition that involves inflammation or an infection of the prostate gland. Its estimated that prostatitis symptoms affect 35 to 50 percent of men during their lifetime. And unlike an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, which commonly affect older men, prostatitis affects men of all ages, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40.
The severity of symptoms vary, but most men with prostatitis suffer from painful urination pain in the pelvic area, groin and lower back flu-like symptoms and issues during intercourse, such as painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Thankfully, there are natural and safe ways to relieve prostatitis symptoms that will help you to feel like yourself again.
Is There A Cure For Chronic Prostatitis
The question as to whether there is a cure for chronic prostatitis does not offer a simple answer. When prostatitis is bacterial, antibiotics can cure the problem and eradicate the bacteria. However, in most cases of men diagnosed with prostatitis, the prostate is not the source of the symptoms.
Antibiotics, alpha blockers, or anti-inflammatories typically do not cure nonbacterial prostatitis. It has been our experience that the symptoms of the majority of men we have seen diagnosed with chronic prostatitis are associated with chronic muscle tension in the pelvis. Almost none of the men we have seen clinically ever had prostate infections nor have antibiotics helped them. That is to say, it is our view, based on our clinical experience, that most cases of chronic prostatitis we have seen are caused by a self-feeding cycle of tension, anxiety pain, and protective guarding within the pelvic basin. This is the new emergent understanding of chronic prostatitis that is often ignored by conventional medical treatment. Our book, A Headache in the Pelvis, goes into this in detail.
That being said, it is possible for the symptom of muscle based prostatitis to significantly reduce or resolve, and a normal, happy life can begin again. Even when this occurs, under periods of stress the symptoms can flare up. This flare up of symptoms can typically be resolved using the Wise-Anderson Protocol.
For more information on the Wise-Anderson Protocol
Recommended Reading: Does A Swollen Prostate Cause Ed
The Prostate Is Prone To Infection And Inflammation
The prostate sits in an anatomical position, wrapped around the urethra, and close to the rectum, that is ripe for infection.
Infection causes inflammation. 10 When the prostate is inflamed, it can become enlarged, putting pressure on the urethra and, in some cases, making it more difficult to fully empty the bladder. Urine then gets trapped and backs up, which can contribute to lingering low grade infection, even where tests come back negative.
What Is A Prostate Infection
A prostate infection occurs when your prostate and the surrounding area become inflamed. The prostate is about the size of a walnut. Its located between the bladder and the base of the penis. The tube that moves urine from the bladder to the penis runs through the center of your prostate. The urethra also moves semen from the sex glands to the penis.
Several types of infections can affect the prostate. Some men with prostatitis experience no symptoms at all, while others report many, including intense pain.
Read Also: Things To Know About Prostate Cancer
How I Cured My Prostatitis
If we go deeper into the definition of prostatitis, we find that inflammation is a protective response of body tissues to toxic stimuli such as pathogens, injured cells, or any other organic or non-organic irritants. Inflammation involves a variety of defense mechanisms such as the local or general rise of body temperature, immune response, and molecular mediators to localize the injured site and ultimately restore the tissue functionality.
Not surprising that our prostate contacting to the bladder and urethra carrying liquid wastes from one side and colon carrying fecal wastes from another side, exposed to the influence of these irritants throughout the mens life. Even if we do not know the mechanism of BPH, we can assume the right causes of prostate inflammation leading to the symptoms mentioned earlier. In this regard, our lifestyle, what we eat and what we drink or smoke play a primary role in the development of inflammatory processes in the prostate.
On this base, and bearing in mind the fact that the exact mechanism of prostatitis has not yet been found, any treatment to reduce symptom hardness should be focused on total or, at least, partial removal of inflammation. I wont analyze the pros and cons of available approaches in this post, but their low or medium efficacy and a vast number of side effects make you wonder whether to apply them or not.
The recipe for inflamed prostate treatment.
Question 6 Of : What Foods Are Bad For Your Prostate
Don’t Miss: How Big Is A Normal Prostate
What Is The Prostate Gland
The prostate is a gland that lies just below a man’s urinary bladder. It surrounds the urethra like a donut and is in front of the rectum. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, through the penis and out of the body. Your doctor may check your prostate by putting a finger into your rectum to feel the back of your prostate gland.
The prostate gland makes a fluid that provides nutrients for sperm. This fluid makes up most of the ejaculate fluid. We do not yet know all of the ways the prostate gland works.
When Should You Call Your Doctor
if you have sudden fever, chills, and urinary symptoms, such as pain or burning with urination or blood or pus in the urine. These symptoms may point to acute prostatitis.
- Urinary symptoms and persistent pain in the low back, scrotum, penis, or the area between the scrotum and anus, or if you have pain with ejaculation or with a bowel movement.
- Recurring urinary tract infections .
- Discharge from your penis or sores on your genitals.
- Problems urinating, such as excessive nighttime urination, trouble starting urinating, decreased urinary stream, or frequent urination that isn’t related to drinking lots of fluids.
Recommended Reading: Prostate Cancer Metastasis To Spine
How Are Bacterial Forms Of Prostatitis Managed Or Treated
Antibiotics can kill bacteria that cause bacterial types of prostatitis. Men with acute bacterial prostatitis may need 14 to 30 days of antibiotics, starting with IV antibiotics in the hospital. Rarely, men need surgery to drain an abscess on the prostate.
Treating chronic bacterial prostatitis is challenging. You may need up to three months of antibiotics to sterilize the prostate. If the prostate cant be sterilized, low-dose antibiotics can be used long term to prevent recurrences. Some men need surgery to remove prostate stones or scar tissue in the urethra. Rarely, surgeons remove part or all of the prostate gland .
Question 3 Of : What Medications Help With Prostate Pain
Don’t Miss: Medication To Reduce Enlarged Prostate
How Is Acute Prostatitis Treated
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics for four to six weeks to treat acute bacterial prostatitis. Your treatment may last longer if you have recurrent episodes. The specific type of antibiotic will depend on the bacteria causing your condition.
Your doctor may also prescribe alpha-blockers to help relieve symptoms. These drugs relax your bladder muscles. They can help decrease urinary discomfort. Examples include doxazosin, terazosin, and tamsulosin. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Your doctor may advise you to adjust your daily habits to help relieve symptoms. For example, they may encourage you to:
- avoid bicycling or wear padded shorts to decrease pressure on your prostate
- avoid alcohol, caffeine, and foods that are spicy and acidic
- sit on a pillow or donut cushion
- take warm baths
Herbs And Nutrients For Prostatitis
Many herbs and nutrients can help with prostatitis. Phytotherapy is the name given to any plant-based therapy. It can include one or more plant or nutrient agents to support organs health.
A plant-based diet is very beneficial for prostate and sexual health in general. The following specific plant/nutrient items are known to benefit prostate health.
- Quercetin Quercetin is a potent antioxidant found in many plants and foods, especially red grapes and wine, apples, berries, and many other vegetables and fruits. Several supplement manufacturers have included it in products designed to support prostate health. It inhibits several histamines and other inflammatory chemicals that contribute to prostatitis. Quercetin has many successful clinical studies and research that support its effectiveness as a treatment for prostatitis. Research has shown it is effective for both bacterial and nonbacterial forms of chronic prostatitis.
- Saw palmetto This low-growing palm-like tree produces a multitude of small blueish-black berries that have a combination of nutrients that are specifically beneficial for the prostate. It grows freely in warm climates and is native to the US in Florida. The Calusa Indians used it in Florida for prostate and female menopausal problems. It appears to work by helping to balance hormone levels.
The synergy between herbs is extremely important and is typically what makes herbal combinations much more powerful. A
Also Check: What Helps With Enlarged Prostate
Increase In Mast Cells Irritate The Prostate
Chronic infection causes inflammation.
In response to inflammation, the body produces a greater number of localized mast cells, which makes matters worse. 20 Mast cells are produced during times of stress, as well as in response to ingesting foods or substances that trigger an allergic response. 21
Therefore, mast cell production in the bladder and prostate is basically an allergic response to inflammation that can increase the inflammatory cycle and locally suppress the immune system. 22 Remember that when provoked by a stimulus perceived as a threat to the immune system, mast cells release histamine, as well as a whole host of other inflammatory compounds. After a long period of inflammation, which has caused mast cells to pool in the prostate area, seasonal allergies can contribute to symptoms. The mast cells are there in larger numbers and will release their inflammatory cocktail in greater concentrations in areas of the body that are perceived as under attack.
Ive written previously about pollen allergies causing anxiety, but presumably they can contribute to some types of prostatitis as well.
I get into a study focusing on an autoimmune model of prostatitis in a couple paragraphs, but many people with mast cell issues dont do well with red meat, pork, and high fat diets. If you have allergies, cutting out saturated fat and going on more of a plant based diet for awhile could be helpful, especially, as we will see when you pair with certain antihistamines.
What Are The Symptoms
Symptoms of long-term prostatitis are often mild and start slowly over weeks or months. They may include:
- An urge to urinate often. But you may pass only small amounts of urine.
- A burning pain when you urinate.
- A problem starting the urine stream, urinating in waves rather than in a steady stream, urine flow that is weaker than normal, and dribbling after urinating.
- Waking up at night to urinate often.
- A feeling of not completely emptying your bladder.
- Pain in your lower back, in the area between the testicles and anus, in the lower belly or upper thighs, or above the pubic area. Pain may be worse during a bowel movement.
- Some pain during or after ejaculation.
- Pain in the tip of your penis.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis are the same, but they start suddenly and are severe. They may also include a fever and chills.
Some men may have no symptoms.
Also Check: Best Prostate Medicine In Ghana
How Will Your Doctor Diagnose A Prostate Infection
A prostate infection diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical exam, and medical tests. Your doctor can also rule out other serious conditions such as prostate cancer during the exam. During a physical exam, your doctor will conduct a digital rectal exam to test your prostate and will look for:
- discharge
- enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin
- swollen or tender scrotum
Your doctor may also ask about your symptoms, recent UTIs, and medications or supplements youre taking. Other medical tests that can help your diagnosis and treatment plan include:
- urinalysis or semen analysis, to look for infections
- a prostate biopsy or a blood test for prostate-specific antigen
- urodynamic tests, to see how your bladder and urethra store urine
- cystoscopy, to look inside the urethra and bladder for blockage
Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to get a closer look. The cause will help determine the correct course of treatment.
Is Prostatitis A Sexually Transmitted Disease
Yes, prostatitis can be contracted through sex, so the more sexual partners a man has, the higher his odds of developing the condition. 34567
Interestingly, Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite and STD, has been found in prostate biopsies of men with prostatitis, and although it seems that E. Coli is a much more regular culprit, the prostates susceptibility to Trichomonas vaginalis colonization has been linked to zinc levels. The prostate is the number one home for zinc in a mans body, and when levels get low, studies have shown these types of pathogens can take a greater foothold.
Mineral deficiencies are common in the U.S., which means supplementing with small amounts of zinc to see whether conditions improve could be worthwhile. As far as food is concerned, pumpkin seeds and oysters are both high in zinc.
As an added benefit, zinc supplementation has also shown some promise in maintaining the cell lining of the gut, which can prevent or help to heal leaky gut, a condition that often accompanies prostatitis, and that is marked by a breakdown of the epithelial wall of the gut lining, which allows pathogens and undigested food particles to enter the blood stream. 89 I will touch more on leaky gut later in this post.
You May Like: What Happens When A Man Has Prostate Cancer