Signs And Symptoms Of Prostatitis

How Is Prostatitis Diagnosed

If you suspect you have prostatitis, make an appointment with your doctor. Theyll need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. For example, an enlarged prostate, cystitis, and some other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, including a prostate exam. Your prostate is located in front of your rectum. During a digital rectal exam, your doctor will feel your prostate and check for enlargement. In some cases, they may recommend a cystoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will insert a small scope through your urethra to look at your bladder and prostate gland.

Your doctor also needs to determine the type of prostatitis you have. They may order blood tests and urine analysis.

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Does Prostatitis Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

Current evidence suggests that prostatitis, or other prostate problems, does not increase a persons chances of developing prostate cancer.

However, a person with prostatitis may be more likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. This is because they may have more interactions with healthcare professionals and diagnostic testing, leading to the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Researchers are investigating whether inflammation may contribute towards the eventual development of prostate cancer, but as yet, no evidence indicates this.

Is It Prostatitis Or Bph

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. The main job of this walnut-shaped gland is to add fluid to semen. The prostate is just below the urinary bladder, and it surrounds the most upstream portion of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the opening at the end of the penis.

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate. It can be caused by a traumatic injury to the prostate or by bacteria that got into the prostate from urine or during sex.

Prostatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute prostatitis tends to start quickly. Chronic prostatitis tends to last or come and go over a longer period of time.

An inflamed prostate without any symptoms is called asymptomatic prostatitis. This condition is often discovered when diagnosing something else.

BPH causes a person to have an enlarged prostate. This condition becomes more common as men age. As the prostate enlarges, it squeezes and blocks the urethra, making it hard to empty the bladder completely.

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Causes Of Prostatitis Food Allergies

Food allergies can cause prostate inflammation and prostatitis. Symptoms of food allergy can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, as well as diarrhea. A food allergy is known as an immune system response, so its symptoms can affect the whole body. Besides, food allergy can lead to itchy skin, a sudden decrease in blood pressure, shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing.

One reason why food allergy can be a cause of prostatitis is that some patients experience a flare-up of signs and symptoms when consuming certain foods. Some products such as pasta, breads as well as baked goods are commonly associated with food allergy. So, you should try a wheat-free diet to help determine whether or not wheat is the cause of your prostatitis. Besides, some other men reported that their symptoms become worse after they consume spicy or acidic foods.

Keep reading this entire article to discover other causes of prostatitis that can make you experience some of the symptoms of prostatitis.

How Common Is Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the most common urinary tract problem for men younger than age 50 and the third most common urinary tract problem for men older than age 50.1 Prostatitis accounts for about two million visits to health care providers in the United States each year.2

Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome is

• the most common and least understood form of prostatitis.
• can occur in men of any age group.
• affects 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. male population.3

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What Is The Prognosis For People Who Have Prostatitis

Antibiotics can cure acute bacterial prostatitis. These medications also ease chronic bacterial prostatitis symptoms in approximately 30% to 60% of men. Up to 80% of men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome feel better after receiving appropriate treatments for their symptoms using the UPOINT system. Men with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis dont need treatment.

What Causes Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a type of infective prostatitis. It is caused by a persistent infection with a germ of the prostate gland. A man with chronic bacterial prostatitis will usually have had recurring urine infections. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is usually caused by the same type of germs that causes the urine infections. The prostate gland can harbour infection and therefore recurring infections can occur. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is not a sexually transmitted infection.

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When To Get Medical Advice

See a GP if you have symptoms of prostatitis, such as pelvic pain, difficulty or pain when peeing, or painful ejaculation.

They’ll ask about the problems you’re having and examine your tummy.

You may also have a rectal examination. This is where a doctor inserts a gloved finger into your bottom to feel for anything unusual. You may have some discomfort during this examination if your prostate is swollen or tender.

Your urine will usually be tested for signs of infection, and you may be referred to a specialist for further tests to rule out other conditions.

See a GP straight away if you get sudden and severe symptoms of prostatitis.

You may have acute prostatitis, which needs to be assessed and treated quickly because it can cause serious problems, such as suddenly being unable to pee.

If you have persistent symptoms , you may be referred to a doctor who specialises in urinary problems .

Treatments That A Specialist May Suggest

Various treatments have been tried for chronic prostatitis. They may benefit some people but so far there are few research studies to confirm whether they help in most cases. They are not standard or routine treatments but a specialist may advise that you try one.

For chronic bacterial prostatitis, possible treatments may include the following:

• A longer course of antibiotics. If the specialist suspects that you have chronic bacterial prostatitis and your symptoms have not cleared after a four-week course of antibiotics, they may suggest a longer course. Sometimes a course of up to three months is used.
• Removal of the prostate may be considered if you have small stones in the prostate. It is not clear how much this may help but it has been suggested that these small stones may be a reason why some people have recurrent infections in chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, this is not commonly carried out and is not suitable in everyone. Your specialist will advise.

For chronic prostatitis/CPPS, possible treatments may include the following:

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How Is Prostatitis Treated

Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome aims to decrease pain, discomfort, and inflammation. A wide range of symptoms exists and no single treatment works for every man. Although antibiotics will not help treat nonbacterial prostatitis, a urologist may prescribe them, at least initially, until the urologist can rule out a bacterial infection. A urologist may prescribe other medications:

• silodo
• cans such as chondroitin sulfate
• muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine and clonazepam
• neuromodulators such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline , and pregabalin

Alternative treatments may include

• warm baths, called sitz baths
• local heat therapy with hot water bottles or heating pads
• physical therapy, such as
• Kegel exercisestightening and relaxing the muscles that hold urine in the bladder and hold the bladder in its proper position. Also called pelvic muscle exercises.
• myofascial releasepressing and stretching, sometimes with cooling and warming, of the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back, pelvic region, and upper legs. Also known as myofascial trigger point release.

relaxation exercises

phytotherapy with plant extracts such as quercetin, bee pollen, and saw palmetto

acupuncture

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Symptoms For Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

The symptoms of CPPS vary from man to man, but may include:

• pain in the area between your back passage and testicles
• pain in the lower part of your stomach area
• pain in your penis, especially the tip
• pain in your testicles
• pain in your back passage and lower back
• pain in your inner thighs
• sexual problems such as difficulty getting or keeping an erection, pain or burning when you ejaculate, and premature ejaculation
• urinary problems such as feeling like you havent emptied your bladder properly, needing to urinate more often or urgently, or mild discomfort or pain when you urinate
• bowel problems such as bloating or diarrhoea.

In rare cases, there can be blood in the semen. This can also be a sign that there is something else wrong, so always speak to your doctor if you have blood in your semen.

Speak to your GP if you have any of the symptoms listed here. You can also call our Specialist Nurses if you have any questions.

The chronic prostatitis symptom index

If you have CPPS, the chronic prostatitis symptom index can help you to explain your symptoms to your doctor and can help them to monitor your treatment. You might find it useful to download a copy of these questions. You can use this to show your GP.

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What Are The Common Symptoms Of Prostatitis In Men

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder. The urethra, which carries urine and semen, passes through the prostate gland. Prostatitis can be caused by bacterial infection, inflammation, or both.

Prostatitis is classified into four different variations three can be diagnosed easily through their symptoms. But the fourth type, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, can be diagnosed during a doctor visit for another health problem concern. Some common symptoms include:

• Urinary Urgency: A sudden urge to immediately empty your bladder
• Painful Urination: Discomfort or pain during or after urination
• Painful Ejaculation: Discomfort or pain during or after the release of semen
• Urinary Frequency: An often feeling to go to the bathroom to pee
• Nocturia: Having to wake up often at night to go to the bathroom.

Prostatitis Signs And Symptoms

Symptoms of prostatitis vary, the acute phase of the disease more acute, chronic symptoms and diverse, mainly: dysuria, sexual dysfunction, local pain and physical abnormalities and other symptoms. Urinary disorder: mainly manifested as frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, urinary incontinence or dysuria, sometimes in the urinary tract, but also accompanied by urethral drops white phenomenon. Some patients only showed abdominal distension, and some patients showed testicular discomfort or pain. Recommended regular hospital examination and treatment, do not blindly medication, to maintain a cheerful and optimistic attitude of life, should be alcohol, avoid spicy food avoid holding back urine, sedentary and long ride, riding, pay attention to warm, strengthen physical exercise.

Prostatitis: prostate massage and hyperthermia: prostate massage is one of the traditional treatment methods, studies have shown that appropriate prostate massage can promote prostatic duct emptying, increase the local drug concentration, thereby alleviating the clinical symptoms of chronic prostatitis. Hyperthermia mainly use a variety of physical means of the thermal effects, increase the prostate tissue blood circulation, speed up the metabolism, is conducive to the effect and eliminate tissue edema, relieve pelvic floor muscle spasms.

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Treatment Options For Bph

BPH is treated with medications that shrink the prostate and reduce urinary symptoms.

Drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors block conversion of testosterone to a substance that contributes to the benign prostate growth, called dihydrotestosterone . These drugs include dutasteride and finasteride .

Drugs called alpha-blockers can help relax the prostate and bladder neck, and improve urine flow. These drugs include doxazosin , tamsulosin , and terazosin .

Your doctor may prescribe one of these drugs or a combination of them.

If medications dont help or your symptoms are severe, your urologist may recommend a less invasive procedure to destroy the extra prostate tissue and widen the urethra within the prostate. The procedure may use one of the following:

• heat with radiofrequency ablation
• high-intensity ultrasound waves
• electric current vaporization

Surgery is a longer-term solution. During BPH surgery, the doctor uses a cutting wire loop or laser to cut away the excess prostate tissue.

Living With Chronic Prostatitis

It becomes hard to perform everyday tasks due to discomfort and pain. In some cases, you dont get any warning before a flare-up.

It is quite normal to feel frustration and discomfort if you are living with long state prostatitis. Many people feel alone and dont share their problems with anyone. Even some men living with prostatitis can experience depression and anxiety.

It is seen that depression and anxiety make your prostatitis condition worse. It is always a good idea to discuss your feelings and thoughts with your doctors if you are feeling depressed. It can be helpful because sometimes you feel better by talking to someone that understands your point.

You can ask your general physician to refer you to a physician who specializes in managing and treating prostatitis. In addition, your doctor can refer you to a counsellor and psychologist that can help you manage your thoughts and feelings. It will help you to understand and control your thoughts and emotions that arise due to prostatitis and live a normal life.

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What Tests Diagnose Prostatitis What Are Prostate

Prostatitis is usually diagnosed by analyzing a urine sample and undergoing an examination of your prostate gland by your health care practitioner. This examination involves a digital rectal examination to palpate the prostate gland and feel for abnormalities of the gland. Occasionally, the physician may also collect and test a sample of the prostatic fluid.

Sometimes a prostate massage is performed to compare samples of the prostatic fluid both before and after this intervention has been performed. To perform this procedure, the doctor will stroke/massage the prostate gland during the digital rectal examination. Because there is the concern that this procedure can release bacteria into the bloodstream, this test is contraindicated in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis.

Additional tests that may be obtained include a complete blood count , an electrolyte panel, blood cultures, a swab of urethral discharge if present, and sometimes a prostate-specific antigen level. The PSA test, which is used as a screening test for prostate cancer, may also be elevated with prostatitis.

Other tests that may also be obtained include urodynamic tests , ultrasound imaging, computed tomography imaging, cystoscopy, and a prostate biopsy.

If recurring episodes of urinary tract infections and prostatitis occur, see your doctor for a more detailed evaluation of your genitourinary system for anatomic abnormalities, which may make you more prone to infections.

What Is The Prognosis For Prostatitis Does It Increase The Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer

Prostatitis caused by bacterial illness often can be treated with antibiotics, or the condition can be chronic that recurs and requires long-term medical attention.

• Acute bacterial prostatitis can often be treated very successfully and has a very good prognosis.
• Chronic prostatitis, and especially chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, can often lead to long-term symptoms and discomfort if treatment is unsuccessful. It is important to have close follow-up and continued care by either your primary care doctor or a urologist.
• Prostatitis does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

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What Natural Or Home Remedies Relieve Pain Symptoms And Treat Prostatitis

In addition to medical treatment, natural home remedies for prostatitis include:

• Warm sitz baths
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.
• Prostate massage: In a few studies, prostate massage has been shown to decrease symptoms in some patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
• Lifestyle changes: If you cycle or ride horses, it is recommended to suspend this activity until you improve.
• Although there are many herbal preparations available, there is no current evidence that herbal remedies are definitely helpful with prostatitis.
• Acupuncture has shown a decrease in symptoms for some people who suffer from prostatitis.

Why Is It Difficult To Diagnose Chronic Prostatitis

The range of complaints of a patient with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be unusually wide. They can be treated for years for heart pain, osteochondrosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, vegetative vascular dystonia, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

Since these diseases are treated by internists and neurologists, they may not pay attention to sexual dysfunction, and men are often embarrassed to talk about it. Because of this, patients are rarely referred to a urologist and for prostate examinations.

Often chronic prostatitis is accompanied by hemorrhoids, pelvic varicose veins, varicocele, sexually transmitted diseases, which makes the clinic even more sterile.

To complicate matters, the disease has a wavy course. Symptoms increase, then completely disappear. This is also the reason why patients seek help late.

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What Can I Do To Manage Prostatitis

• Place a heating pad on the area. Heat may help blood flow to your prostate area. Warm baths may decrease prostate fullness and discomfort.
• Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Do not drink alcohol or eat spicy foods until you have finished treatment for prostatitis. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink.
• Urinate often. Do not wait to urinate.
• You may have sex if you feel well.