Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Does Prostatitis Cause Abdominal Pain

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What Causes Prostatitis Vs Bph

Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a new consensus guideline

The cause of BPH or enlarged prostate is by benign growth that enlarges the prostate gland. Researchers do not know exactly what causes the gland to enlarge, but they have speculated that it might be related to hormonal changes as men age.

In men under the age of 35, the most common type of prostatitis is acute bacterial prostatitis, while in older patients non-bacterial prostatitis is the most common type. There are four types or syndromes of prostatitis.

  • Type I – Acute bacterial prostatitis
  • Type II – Chronic bacterial prostatitis
  • Type III Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome
  • Type IV is asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.

The cause of acute bacterial prostatitis is by bacteria that may be present in the urethra and then infect the prostate gland. Chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs because of inadequate treatment or because of a structural/functional problem in the urinary tract. Researchers and doctors do not completely understand the cause of chronic prostatitis, but it is speculated that the cause may be initiated by neurological injury and/or related to infection.

What Is Prostate Pain

Prostatodynia is the medical term for prostate pain. It may also include other sensations like prostate discomfort and is a sign of prostate problems. Pain and discomfort may be seen in all three of the main conditions affecting the prostate gland prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The pain may vary in severity and nature radiating to surrounding structures and extending to the lower back or even the tip of the penis.

At times, prostate pain may involve a large area of the lower abdomen or the entire pelvis. It is not uncommon for no pain to be present, especially in mild BPH and chronic prostatitis, with discomfort or pain only being reported during acute exacerbation and a secondary prostate gland infection.

Do Prostatitis And Bph Cause Pain

Both BPH and prostatitis may cause pain. However, if BPH causes pain, it usually occurs with urination .

Prostatitis may cause painful urination, painful ejaculations, and generalized groin/abdominal pain. Prostatitis pain may be more constant and may be due to the inflammation of the prostatic tissue and/or adjacent tissues. Experts point out that often the source of pain from prostatitis is unclear.

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In Prostatitis There Is Often As An Infection Affecting The Prostate Gland However Only About 5

The types:

Acute Prostatitis is the least common form of the condition and manifests with an increased frequency of micturition, particularly at night. There is often pain in the pelvis and genitals, and there are other cardinal signs of infection including vomiting, fever and chills. This condition would make you feel quite ill and requires prompt treatment. Left untreated symptoms lead to a drop in blood pressure, confusion and increased mortality.

Chronic prostatitis is diagnosed in situations where the symptoms of prostate infections are recurrent. The symptoms are much less severe than in acute states but they are often difficult to treat with many trials of antibiotics proving unsuccessful and the patient suffering recurrent pain and symptoms.

What Causes Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

10 Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Men

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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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

Advanced Prostate Cancer Symptoms

If the disease has progressed to late stages of prostate cancer, a number of possible complications can produce more severe symptoms. The cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Depending on where the cancer has spread, the patient may exhibit different symptoms. If the cancer has spread to the bone, the patient can experience bone pain, sensitivity, and even fractures. Kidney problems can occur if the cancer spreads to the ureters that carry urine from the bladder.

As with any condition, the exact set of symptoms experienced by a prostate cancer patient depend on a variety of factors including the:

  • Patients age

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Abdomen Pain And Varicocele In Testis

Q1. My husband constantly has a dull pain in his lower abdomen. He is 52 and has been told that his prostate is slightly enlarged. A CT scan was done, but the doctor could not detect anything, and the pain is still there. What could be causing it?

Irina, Kansas

Prostate enlargement in and of itself usually does not cause abdominal pain. However, urinary tract obstruction, which can be related to an enlarged prostate, may lead to incomplete bladder emptying and abdominal pain. Symptoms of urinary tract obstruction include frequent and urgent urination, getting up at night to urinate, and/or urinary incontinence.

If your husband has not had a digital rectal examination, he certainly should. Prostate enlargement is usually diagnosed by such an examination, which may also detect prostate cancer or any infection of the prostate. To detect urinary obstruction, urologists and other physicians usually assess bladder emptying. Poor bladder emptying, also known as urinary retention, may be caused by other lower urinary tract obstructing conditions or a weak bladder, in addition to an enlarged prostate. Treatment depends on the cause of obstruction.

There are numerous other possibilities that could be causing your husband’s abdominal pain, and a CT scan wouldn’t necessarily detect them. All men over 50 should have a primary care physician who can help address such issues further and be the quarterback for any specialty consultations that might be needed.

Thomas, South Dakota

Can Prostatitis Cause Bloating And Constipation Lower Middle Stomach Pain Or What Else Can It Be

Causes and Treatments of Prostatitis and Pelvic Pain

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When To Seek Medical Care

A person may have urinary symptoms unrelated to prostatitis that are caused by bladder problems, UTIs, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Symptoms of prostatitis also can signal more serious conditions, including prostate cancer.

Men with symptoms of prostatitis should see a health care provider.

Men with the following symptoms should seek immediate medical care:

  • complete inability to urinate
  • great discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen and urinary tract

Prostate Pain Location Causes Symptoms And Tests

Posted by Dr. Chris

Pain just above the genitals in men usually raises the concern about bladder or prostate problems. In young boys and male teens, prostate problems are usually not a consideration. However, prostate problems can arise in late teens with recent studies noting an increase in prostate cancer among teen males. In younger males, pain above the genitals is more likely associated with the bladder.

With older males, either prostate or bladder problems can be the cause of pain in this region. The bladder lies above the prostate. Therefore bladder pain is typically felt slightly higher than prostate pain. Most of the time this can be difficult to isolate and prostate problems can only be differentiated from bladder problems after conducting diagnostic investigations. Even other symptoms may also be similar in both bladder and prostate problems.

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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
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsalso called NSAIDssuch as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
  • glycosaminogly
  • 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
  • More Information About Prostatitis

    How to Reduce Prostate Pain

    The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

    • Prostatitis Foundation: This organization provides access to relevant publications , patient testimonials, a list of providers who treat prostatitis in the United States and the United Kingdom, and access to third-party prostatitis-based web sites in French, Swedish, and Italian.

    Recommended Reading: Female Prostate Equivalent

    Key Points About Prostatitis

    • Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland caused by infection. It can be one of several types.
    • Prostatitis is not contagious and is not an STD.
    • Any man can get prostatitis at any age. Symptoms of prostatitis may include urinating more often, burning or stinging during urination, pain during urination, and fever and chills. Your healthcare provider usually diagnoses prostatitis by your symptoms and by checking your urine and semen for signs of infection.
    • Antibiotics are used to treat prostatitis. In rare cases, you may need surgery.

    What Causes Prostatitis

    The causes of prostatitis differ depending on the type.

    Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The exact cause of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is unknown. Researchers believe a microorganism, though not a bacterial infection, may cause the condition. This type of prostatitis may relate to chemicals in the urine, the immune systems response to a previous urinary tract infection , or nerve damage in the pelvic area.

    Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. A bacterial infection of the prostate causes bacterial prostatitis. The acute type happens suddenly and lasts a short time, while the chronic type develops slowly and lasts a long time, often years. The infection may occur when bacteria travel from the urethra into the prostate.

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    Type Of Prostate Pain

    Prostate pain can be non-specific and often associated with chronic unexplained pelvic pain in men . The presence of urinary symptoms, microorganisms and inflammatory cells in the urine and semen are the only conclusive indication that the pain is associated with the prostate gland.

    Prostate pain is often described as discomfort or pain that lies deep to the penis and scrotum although most patients will report that it is not extending to the rectum. The character of the pain can vary significantly with some patients reporting a mild discomfort like the bladder is not completely empty pressure or fullness but not actual pain.

    At other times, it may be described as a dull ache or pain that is mild, moderate or severe. The pain may be burning, attacks of sharp or stabbing pain, or a bursting pain similar to an extremely distended bladder. Identifying a prostate condition solely on the location and nature of the pain is difficult and therefore other symptoms have to be noted.

    When To See Your Gp

    Prostate Pain (Prostatitis) | Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine

    See your GP if you have symptoms of prostatitis, such as:

    • pelvic pain
    • difficulty or pain when peeing
    • painful ejaculation

    Your GP will ask about the problems you’re having and examine your tummy. You may also have a digital rectal examination . This is where a doctor inserts a gloved finger into your bottom to feel for abnormalities in your prostate gland. You may experience some discomfort 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.

    See your GP immediately if you develop sudden and severe symptoms of prostatitis. You may have acute prostatitis. It needs to be assessed and treated quickly to prevent serious problems, such as being unable to pass urine.

    If you have persistent symptoms , you may be referred to a urologist .

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    How Is Prostatitis Diagnosed

    Your healthcare provider will review your past health and sexual history. He or she will also do a physical exam. Other tests may include:

    • Urine culture. This test collects prostatic fluid and urine. They are checked for white blood cells and bacteria.
    • Digital rectal exam . In this test, the healthcare provider puts a gloved finger into the rectum to check the part of the prostate next to the rectum. This is done to look for swelling or tenderness.
    • Prostate massage. The healthcare provider massages your prostate gland to drain fluid into the urethra. This fluid is then checked under a microscope to look for inflammation or infection. This test is usually done during a digital rectal exam .
    • Semen culture. A semen sample is tested in the lab for bacteria and white blood cells.
    • Cystoscopy. A thin, flexible tube and viewing device is put into the penis and through the urethra. Your healthcare provider uses the device to look at your bladder and urinary tract for structure changes or blockages.
    • Transrectal ultrasound. A thin transducer is inserted into the rectum next to the prostate to show images of the prostate.
    • CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

    Prostate Problems Symptoms And Warning Signs

    It’s common for men over the age of 50 to have prostate problems. The prostate gland produces semen. Common conditions that affect the gland are enlarged prostate , acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have problems urinating or pain with urination.

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    How Can You Resolve Prostatitis Related Back Pain

    Prostatitis-related back pain can be difficult to solve, especially if you have chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. There is actually no consensus about what to do and when. So, doctors need to use a trial-and-error approach until they find the right treatment for you.

    There is no cure for chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Some patients experience longer asymptomatic periods. But a flare-up may bring back the symptoms once again after a while. What doctors do in these cases is trying to manage pain symptoms as much as possible.

    In acute prostatitis, the problem is easier to solve. The pain usually goes away with the right combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. In most cases, it is enough with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories drugs-for example, ibuprofen and naproxen. Only a few cases may require more specialized pain-relieving therapies such as oral or injected steroids.

    Unlike chronic pelvic pain syndrome, acute prostatitis resolves after a few weeks. However, you need to take your meds exactly as prescribed, or it may become a recurrent problem .

    Acute Bacterial Prostatitis :

    Pelvic pain: chronic prostatitis with an infection ...

    If your doctor suspects acute bacterial prostatitis, he may order the following tests:

    • Urine analysis: This is a complete physical and biochemical detail of urine in order to exclude infection. In this test, the doctor looks for urine color, an unusual smell, and changes in the composition. The presence of a large number of nitrites in urine is a clue to bacterial infection.
    • Urine culture: This is a gold standard test to rule out infection. In this test, the bacteria are given favorable conditions to grow, termed as media of growth. Each medium represents a particular type of bacteria. The medium in which bacteria obtained from the urine sample grows marks the presence of that certain type of bacteria.
    • Imaging: Your doctor may order transrectal prostate ultrasonography or computed tomography to look for pus in the prostate. These tests also help your doctor look for any gross pathology in the prostate. If you have severe obstructive symptoms such as urgency, frequency, weak stream urine, and dribbling, etc., your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound, specifically bladder scan. This may help in establishing the diagnosis of bladder pathology, causing secondary prostatitis.
    • Serum prostate-specific antigen : This usually is not a recommended test however, your doctor may order this test to look for cancer if there are other supporting symptoms.

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    Overlapping Conditions For Men

    Some men may experience chronic prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, , alongside irritable bowel syndrome . They are two different conditions but they do have some common features. The overlap is a good reason to discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor. Here is a brief overview of CP/CPPS, with some information as to how it might relate to IBS.

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