Prostatitis symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), cloudy urine, blood in the urine, and pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or lower back. The medical term for prostatitis is ‘prostatitis’. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate or prostate, which is about the size and shape of a walnut. The prostate is formed from about 30-50 small glands together, which are embedded in muscle tissue. Like the seminal vesicles, it produces seminal fluid, which is discharged through a large number of openings into the urethra. The organ is located beneath the urinary bladder, surrounding the upper part of the urethra. It is located behind the pubic joint and in front of the rectum. The prostate can be examined by a rectal examination, in which a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum.

• What is a prostate infection?
• Location and function of the prostate
• Prostatitis symptoms and complaints
• Cause of prostate inflammation

• Bacterial infection
• Bacterial inflammation

• Risk factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis and research

• Anamnesis
• To research
• Differential diagnosis

• Prostatitis treatment

• Medical treatment
• Prostate massage for chronic prostatitis

• Prognosis
• Prevention
• Nutrition and supplements

• Cernilton
• Quercetin
• Beta sitosterol
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Pumpkin seeds
• Probiotics

• Herbs for prostate inflammation

• African Pygeum (Prunus africana)
• Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
• Nettle (Urtica dioca)

What is a prostate infection?

Prostatitis or prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate and often causes complaints such as painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms of prostatitis include pain in the groin, pelvis (pelvic pain) or genitals, and sometimes flu-like symptoms. Prostatitis can be caused by a number of different things. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, it can often be treated successfully. The cause cannot always be determined. Depending on the cause, prostatitis can come on gradually or suddenly. Prostatitis can be chronic or acute.Where is the prostate located? / Source: US National Cancer Institute, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Location and function of the prostate

The prostate is also called the prostate. It is a gland that surrounds the urethra in men just below the bladder. The function of this gland is to transport sperm cells.

Prostatitis symptoms and complaints

The symptoms of prostate inflammation vary and depend on the nature of the inflammation. Complaints that may occur with prostatitis are:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria);
• Difficulty urinating, such as difficulty ‘getting started’, dribbling after urination;
• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia);
• Urgent need to urinate;
• Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back;
• Pain in the area between the scrotum and anus (perineum), which is known as perineal pain;
• Pain or discomfort around the base of your genitals (penile pain) and/or testicles (testicle pain);
• Painful ejaculations;
• Cloudy urine;
• Smelly urine (like fish or ammonia);
• Blood in the urine;
• Flu-like symptoms (in case of bacterial prostatitis).

 Urinary tract / Source: La Gorda/Shutterstock.com

Cause of prostate inflammation

Bacterial infection

Acute prostatitis is usually caused by bacteria. The bacterial infection spreads from the urinary tract to the prostate. Chronic bacterial prostatitis can result from small amounts of bacteria that are not eliminated with antibiotics because they hide in the prostate.

Bacterial inflammation

However, most prostate infections are not caused by bacteria. In these cases one speaks of ‘bacteria-free inflammation’. However, the symptoms and characteristics are very similar to those of a bacterial prostatitis. The literature shows that most bacteria-free prostate infections occur in young, sexually active men and that it often follows an inflammation of the urethra for which no clear cause has been found. This reinforces the impression that a sexually transmitted disease, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, is the culprit.

Risk factors

Risk factors for prostate inflammation include:

• The disease affects men at young, middle and older ages;
• A previous prostate infection;
• An inflammation in the bladder or the tube that transports semen and urine to the penis (urethra);
• Pelvic trauma, such as an injury from cycling or horse riding;
• Use of a bladder catheter;
• Having HIV/AIDS;
• Having undergone a prostate biopsy.

Complications

Complications of prostatitis can include:

• Bacterial infection of the blood (bacteremia);
• epididymitis;
• Prostate abscess;
• prostate stones;
• Sperm abnormalities and infertility, which can occur with chronic prostatitis.

There is no direct evidence that prostatitis can lead to prostate cancer.

Diagnosis and research

Anamnesis

There are a number of tests that can be used to find out if you have prostatitis. It can take some time to get a diagnosis as the symptoms of prostate inflammation can be very similar to other problems, such as urinary tract infections, making it difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will ask you about your complaints and medical problems you have had in the past.Urinalysis / Source: Angellodeco/Shutterstock

To research

The tests and examinations vary for the different types of prostatitis, and include:

• a urine test to check for signs of infection;
• a blood test;
• a physical examination of your abdomen;
• a physical examination of the prostate, called a digital rectal examination (DRE), to feel the prostate for abnormalities and size;
• PSA test (PSA, which stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, is a specific protein made in the prostate).

You may need to visit a urologist in hospital for a number of tests.

Differential diagnosis

Other conditions may be very similar in terms of symptoms to the symptoms you experience with a prostate infection. These are known as differential diagnosis and include:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Chronic pain syndromes (e.g. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis);
• Bladder infection or cystitis;
• Erectile dysfunction;

Testicular cancer / Source: Joshya/Shutterstock.com

• Prostate cancer;;
• Testicular cancer;
• Kidney stones;
• Anal fistulas and fissures;
• Hemorrhagic cystitis;
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);
• Mechanical back pain (often the result of overloading the spine)
• Foreign object in the rectum;
• Urinary incontinence;
• Urinary tract obstruction.

Prostatitis treatment

Medical treatment

The GP or urologist will prescribe a course of antibiotics, which must often be continued for 4 to 6 weeks, especially in the case of chronic or recurring inflammation. The doctor may also prescribe a mild painkiller to relieve pain. Hot sitz baths reduce the symptoms and are especially recommended for chronic prostatitis. It is also important that you drink enough, at least 2 liters per day. In addition, alpha blockers can provide relief. These products ensure that the bladder neck relaxes, allowing you to urinate more easily and under less pressure.

Prostate massage for chronic prostatitis

In chronic prostatitis, massaging the prostate often provides relief from the symptoms. To do this, put on a disposable rubber glove and smooth the index finger with a lubricant. Spread the legs and carefully insert the finger through the anus. About 4 cm higher up on the abdominal side of the rectum, you can feel the prostate gland. Press firmly on the prostate gland and rub it firmly with the fingertip. In this way the prostate is massaged. After a few minutes you will notice that the prostate feels less hard. This procedure expresses prostate fluid, which may result in some fluid loss through your genitals afterwards. It turns out that this self-treatment is best performed in a standing position, for example in the shower. Prostate massage should be done under the protection of antibiotics.

Prognosis

The prognosis of acute bacterial prostatitis is good if treatment is initiated early and is adequate. In chronic prostatitis with exacerbations, it is important to identify and treat the underlying cause. Treatment from a urologist is often required to prevent a recurrence.

Prevention

To prevent prostate infection, it is important to practice good hygiene every day and keep your penis clean. Drink enough fluids every day so that you have to urinate regularly. Aim for early treatment of a possible urinary tract infection by visiting your GP in a timely manner if you have any complaints.

Nutrition and supplements

Drink plenty of water if you have prostatitis. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. These products can irritate the prostate.These supplements can help with prostate inflammation:

Cernilton

Research seems to suggest that this pollen extract may help relieve symptoms of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. However, more research is needed in 2023.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in tea and many fruits and vegetables. It is an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation. The drug can help reduce the pain and symptoms of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Combined with bromelain and papain it seems to have an even greater effect. Bromelain and papain ensure that the body absorbs quercetin better. In addition, they also have anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin may interact with a number of medications. Therefore, first consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using it. Both bromelain and quercetin can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners. Very high doses of quercetin are associated with kidney damage. You should not take quercetin for more than 2 to 3 months. Then take a break.

Beta sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a cholesterol-like substance extracted from pine needles. It is often used to treat prostatitis. Scientific support is currently lacking.

Zinc

There is evidence that zinc can reduce an enlarged prostate, but researchers are not yet sure whether zinc also helps to treat prostate inflammation. A few studies seem to suggest that taking zinc with antibiotics is better than antibiotics alone for reducing symptoms of prostatitis. that is the state of affairs in 2023. However, high doses of zinc (more than 40 mg per day) have major negative side effects, such as a copper deficiency. Consult with your doctor to determine the correct dose of zinc.Vitamin C for prostate inflammation / Source: Istock.com/NatchaS

Vitamin C

Although it has not been studied whether vitamin C is effective against bacterial prostatitis, some doctors recommend it for prostatitis. In test tubes, vitamin C inhibits the growth of E. coli, the most common bacteria involved in bacterial prostatitis

Omega 3 fatty acids

This may help reduce inflammation over time, although it is not clear how omega-3 fatty acids affect prostatitis. Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners. This is because these fatty acids naturally reduce blood clotting. So always consult with your doctor before taking this as a supplement.

Pumpkin seeds

Traditionally, pumpkin seeds have been used for prostate health, but there is no evidence to support this.

Probiotics

Preliminary research suggests that taking an antibiotic followed by probiotics may help prevent the progression of prostatitis.

Herbs for prostate inflammation

Make sure you first consult with your GP or treating physician before using supplements or herbs for prostatitis or other prostate complaints. Some herbs, supplements and alternative medicine can interfere with conventional medicine.

African Pygeum (Prunus africana)

The bark of the African tree Pygeum Africanum can be used for complaints due to an enlarged prostate. It can also help with urinary complaints in both bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Serenoa repens or saw palmetto has been studied for its effects on benign prostate enlargement and has traditionally been used to treat non-bacterial prostatitis, but preliminary scientific research shows it to be ineffective. Several studies do show a beneficial effect on the symptoms of nighttime urination, urine flow rate and residual volume in the case of an enlarged prostate.

Nettle (Urtica dioca)

Research does not provide a definitive answer as to whether nettle has a positive effect on prostate inflammation.

read more

• Prostatitis: symptoms and treatment of prostate inflammation
• Prostate pain and prostate complaints: prostate (pain) complaints
• Prostate cancer with metastases: treatment and survival
• Enlarged prostate: symptoms, treatment and medications
• Enlarged prostate or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)