An acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate is usually the result of an infection. Acute prostatitis is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms. In the chronic form, the symptoms are the same but much more persistent, longer lasting and less severe.
Prostate inflammation (prostatitis)
A bacterial infection is usually the cause of acute prostatitis and in 5 percent of cases of chronic prostatitis (which occurs in 35 percent of men over 50 years of age); for the rest, the cause is usually unknown. An inflamed prostate can press on the urethra and completely block the urine flow . If no treatment is given, an abscess, a pus-filled cavity, can develop. The treatment of the different forms can vary greatly.
Symptoms of prostate inflammation
- Fever and chills (acute).
- Difficult, frequent urination; strong urge.
- Pain or blood when urinating.
- Full feeling in the bladder.
- Painful ejaculation, blood in semen or impotence (chronic prostatitis)
- Pain in the pelvis or lower back.
Causes of prostate inflammation
The cause is usually unknown, but there are a few clues:
- Bacterial infections can cause acute and chronic inflammation and usually spread through the urethra to the prostate; often also through sexual intercourse.
- Acute prostatitis can cause chronic prostatitis.
- Men between the ages of 20 and 40, with changing partners and risk-increasing sexual behavior (anal sex, unsafe sex), are at greater risk.
Prevention of prostate inflammation
Practice safe sex , for example use a condom. In addition, urinary tract infections should be treated immediately.
Investigate prostate inflammation
There are a number of possibilities:
- Medical history and physical examination, including internal rectal examination, during which the doctor checks the prostate with a finger.
- Microscopic examination and bacterial culture of prostatic fluid.
- Bacterial culture and microscopic examination of urine.
- Ultrasound for detection of an abscess.
Treatment of prostate inflammation
- Acute prostatitis often requires hospitalization. Antibiotics are administered (intravenously) against bacterial infections. A urinary catheter may be needed to drain the urine.
- Oral antibiotics are given against acute and chronic prostatitis; a course of treatment (4 to 12 weeks) must be completed completely.
- Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol should be avoided until the symptoms have disappeared due to their diuretic effect (resulting in frequent urination and increased urination).
- Warm baths somewhat relieve the symptoms of chronic prostatitis.
- You can use OTC remedies against pain and fever (these remedies are available at regular drugstores).
- An abscess requires surgical drainage.
- Patients with non-bacterial chronic prostatitis may benefit from learning stress avoidance techniques.
Finally
See a doctor if urination is impossible or urination is difficult and painful.