What Is The Prostate Gland
The prostate is a gland that lies just below a mans 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.
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How Bad Is Prostatitis Pain
Acute prostatitis pain, which may be severe, in or around your penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back pooing can be painful. pain when peeing, needing to pee frequently , problems starting or stop-start peeing, an urgent need to pee and, sometimes, blood in your urine.
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.
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How Is Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Managed Or Treated
Prostatitis treatments vary depending on the cause and type. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis doesnt require treatment.
For chronic pelvic pain syndrome , your healthcare provider may use a system called UPOINT to classify symptoms into six categories. Your provider uses multiple treatments at the same time to treat only the symptoms youre experiencing.
Approximately 80% of men with CPPS improve with the UPOINT system. The system focuses on these symptoms and treatments:
- Urinary: Medications, such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin , relax muscles around the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow.
- Psychosocial: Stress management can help. Some men benefit from counseling or medications for anxiety, depression and catastrophizing .
- Organ: Quercetin and bee pollen supplements may relieve a swollen, inflamed prostate gland.
- Infection:Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria.
- Neurologic: Prescription pain medicines, such as amitriptyline and gabapentin , relieve neurogenic pain. This pain can include fibromyalgia or pain that extends into the legs, arms or back.
- Tenderness: Pelvic floor physical therapy may include myofascial release . This therapy can reduce or eliminate muscle spasms.
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.
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Prostatitis Testing & Treatment
To diagnose prostatitis, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may examine the prostate gland by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. Urine and prostate fluid may also be collected and evaluated for bacteria.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the type of prostate infection.
- For acute prostatitis, patients take antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks.
- For chronic bacterial prostatitis, patients take antibiotics for 4 to 12 weeks. About 75 percent of all cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis clear up with this treatment. Sometimes the symptoms recur and antibiotic therapy needed again. For cases that do not respond to this treatment, long-term, low dose antibiotic therapy is recommended to relieve the symptoms.
- Treatment for nonbacterial prostatitis is difficult. The goal is to control symptoms because it is hard to cure this condition. Some doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications and muscle relaxants. Therapies used to treat interstitial cystitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome may also be helpful.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Chronicnonbacterial Prostatitis
While no specific cause is linked to the condition, it should be noted that some possible risk factors have been identified that may contribute to the development of the condition.
Below, we will outline some of the possible causes that have been linked to chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.;
Apart from these factors, it should be noted that not only bacteria can cause infection in the prostate gland. It is possible for viruses to invade the prostate gland as well. These scenarios can lead to a chronic display of symptoms related to prostatitis.;
Another risk factor that has been identified is bicycle riding. Among men who frequently ride on a bicycle, it has been found that the prevalence of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is higher. This could be due to friction that occurs in the pelvis region during riding sessions. In turn, the prostate gland may be irritated.;
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There Are Four Types Of Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common type of prostatitis, but isnt caused by an infection. Instead, it is caused by inflammation in the prostate and irritation of the surrounding nerves. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, painful ejaculation, and pain in the bladder, testicles and penis.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a relatively uncommon form of prostatitis that can last for a long period of time. Diagnosis requires a culture of urine and prostate fluid. Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, painful ejaculation, and pain in the bladder, testicles and penis.
Acute bacterial prostatitis requires a urine test to determine if bacteria is responsible for the sudden onset of fever, chills, painful burning during urination and difficulty draining the bladder.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is not caused by an infection and does not have any symptoms. It is caused by inflammation in the prostate, and may be found during a health check for another issue.
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 .
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How Is Prostatitis Diagnosed
A doctor can often tell if you have prostatitis by asking about your symptoms and past health. He or she will also do a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam. In this test, the doctor puts a gloved, lubricated finger in your rectum to feel your prostate. You may also need blood and urine tests to find out which type of prostatitis you have or to look for another cause of your problems.
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.
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Will Chronic Prostatitis Go Away By Itself
When people talk about chronic prostatitis, they are talking about chronic nonbacterial prostatitis actually, the other name of this prostatitis is chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the most common form of prostatitis.
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Q&A
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How Is Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis Diagnosed
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are similar to other medical conditions. Men will usually undergo a digital rectal exam , during which their doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. By doing this, the doctor can feel for any signs of inflammation or any abnormalities in the prostate gland. Doctors may also analyze urine and prostatic fluid. In some cases, blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs, or biopsies are ordered to rule out any other possible conditions.
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How Is This Condition Diagnosed
Diagnosis of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis plays a critical role in developing an efficient treatment plan for the patient. When the patient complains about symptoms related to the condition, a doctor will order specific tests.
These tests can assist in identifying problems with the prostate gland. The doctor can use the test results to provide a diagnosis for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. The healthcare provider can also help rule out other potential causes with the results provided by these tests.;
The first step is for the doctor to analyze the patients medical history. This information helps the doctor identify potential risk factors for prostate conditions. A comprehensive overview of symptoms experienced will be requested. The patient should provide the doctor with as many details as possible.;
The next step of the diagnosis process usually involves a prostate exam. This procedure is sometimes also referred to as a digital prostate exam. It can be a little uncomfortable for men but plays an essential role in helping the doctor identify prostate problems.
During this test, the doctor puts on a glove. A lubrication agent is used on one finger. The lubricated finger is placed into the patients rectum. The doctor then presses against the prostate gland.;
Abnormalities with the prostate, such as inflammation, can usually be identified through this particular test.;
What Are The Complications Of Prostatitis
Men with acute bacterial prostatitis may develop . This widespread inflammation can be life-threatening. It requires immediate medical treatment.
Antibiotics can cause an upset stomach. Men with chronic bacterial prostatitis may need lots of antibiotics to treat recurring infections. Some people develop antibiotic resistance, making treatment ineffective.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis can lower sperm count, affecting fertility.
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Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Diagnosis And Management
TIMOTHY J. COKER, MD, and DANIEL M. DIERFELDT, DO, Ehrling Bergquist Family Medicine Residency Program, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
Am Fam Physician.;2016;Jan;15;93:114-120.
;Patient information: A handout on this topic is available at .
Acute bacterial prostatitis is an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes urinary tract symptoms and pelvic pain in men.1 It is estimated to comprise up to 10% of all prostatitis diagnoses, and its incidence peaks in persons 20 to 40 years of age and in persons older than 70 years.2 Most cases can be diagnosed with a convincing history and physical examination.3 Although prostatitis-like symptoms have a combined prevalence of 8.2% in men, the incidence and prevalence of acute bacterial prostatitis are unknown.4
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 Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What type of prostatitis do I have?
- What is the best treatment for this type of prostatitis?
- What are the treatment risks and side effects?
- How can I avoid getting prostatitis again?
- What type of follow-up care do I need after treatment?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Prostatitis is a common problem that affects many men. Unfortunately, theres a lot of confusion about the disease. People use the word prostatitis to describe four different conditions. There isnt a one-size-fits-all treatment for prostatitis, which is why an accurate diagnosis is so important.
Eating Diet And Nutrition
Researchers have not found that eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in causing or preventing prostatitis. During treatment of bacterial prostatitis, urologists may recommend increasing intake of liquids and avoiding or reducing intake of substances that irritate the bladder. Men should talk with a health care provider or dietitian about what diet is right for them.
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What Are The Known Risk Factors For Chronic Prostatitis
Conditions that allow retrograde movement of bacteria into the urethra and the prostate are risk factors for CBP. Patients with a history of urethritis caused by sexually transmitted infections are thought to be at risk of subsequent CBP. Risk factors for CNP/CPPS are largely unknown but may include conditions that can lead to chronic neuropathic pain.
What Do We Mean By A Prostate Infection
Prostate Infection, also known as Prostatitis, is an infection in and around the prostate gland. This occurs when the prostate gland and the area around it gets inflamed. This is usually caused by bacteria which may have infiltrated the body through other causes. The prostate gland is located between the bladder and the base of the penis. The prostate gland also has the urethra passing through it which carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
Some Prostate Infections tend to cause no symptoms whatsoever; however there are some forms of prostate Infections which can cause potentially serious symptoms and require immediate medical attention. There are basically two types of Prostate Infections of which one is acute bacterial prostate infection and the other is chronic bacterial prostate infection.
The Acute form of prostate infection causes sudden onset of symptoms which are severe in intensity and require emergent medical attention while the chronic form of prostate infection has symptoms which are mild in intensity and develop gradually over a period of time.
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What Is Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a common condition that affects men. It causes pain and inflammation in the prostate, pelvis, and the lower urinary tract. The prostate gland is located right below the bladder in men. It produces fluid that helps transport sperm. In the United States, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis affects around 10 to 15 percent of men.
- sexual dysfunction
- genital pain after urination
Dont ignore any of the symptoms of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor. There are a variety of treatments that may help.
National Institutes of Health describes four categories of prostatitis:
What Is The Outlook
It is difficult to give an outlook . Your symptoms may last a long time, although they may ‘come and go’ or vary in severity. Painkillers can keep discomfort to a minimum.
Most men diagnosed with chronic prostatitis/CPPS tend to have an improvement in their symptoms over the following six months. In one study, about a third of men had no further symptoms one year later. In another large study, one third of men showed moderate to marked improvement over two years.
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Can Prostatitis Come Back
Men who have had prostatitis once are more likely to get it again. Antibiotics may not get into the prostate gland well. Small amounts of bacteria might hide in the prostate and not be killed by the antibiotic. Once you stop taking the antibiotic, the infection can get bad again. If this happens, you might have to take antibiotics for a long time to prevent another infection. Prostatitis that is not caused by infection is often chronic. If you have this kind of prostatitis, you might have to take medicine for a long time.
How Do You Treat Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Treatment
. Moreover, does nonbacterial prostatitis go away?
The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are often less severe than those of acute bacterial prostatitis. A person who has previously had an acute infection might notice that their symptoms get better, but do not go away. Some people with chronic bacterial prostatitis may find that the infection persists.
how long can nonbacterial prostatitis last? At the time of diagnosis, even when a culture does not reveal bacteria, most researchers still recommend that men newly diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome take an antibiotic for a limited time, lasting not more than four weeks.
Secondly, how do I get rid of nonbacterial prostatitis?
Alternative and natural remedies that may reduce ongoing pain include:
What happens if antibiotics don’t work for prostatitis?
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