Ways To Relieve Prostatitis Symptoms
October 3, 2017
If youre like many adult men, youve thought about your prostate health at some point in your life. Its an important issue because 90 percent of men experience some kind of problem with their prostate by the time they are 70 years old. And one of these problems is prostatitis.
Prostatitis is a common condition that involves inflammation or an infection of the prostate gland. Its estimated that prostatitis symptoms affect 35 to 50 percent of men during their lifetime. And unlike an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, which commonly affect older men, prostatitis affects men of all ages, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40.
The severity of symptoms vary, but most men with prostatitis suffer from painful urination; pain in the pelvic area, groin and lower back; flu-like symptoms; and issues during intercourse, such as painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Thankfully, there are natural and safe ways to relieve prostatitis symptoms that will help you to feel like yourself again.
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.
What Are The Types Of Prostatitis
Types of prostatitis include:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis : A causes an infection in the prostate gland. Symptoms include fever and chills. You may experience painful and frequent urination or have trouble urinating. Acute bacterial prostatitis requires immediate medical treatment.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis : Bacteria become trapped in the prostate gland, causing recurrent UTIs that are difficult to treat.
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS : CPPS is the most common prostatitis type. Prostate gland inflammation occurs in approximately 1 out of 3 men. As the name implies, this type causes chronic pain in the pelvis, perineum and genitals.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis : This condition causes prostate gland inflammation but no symptoms. You may learn you have this condition after getting tests to find the cause of other problems. For example, a semen analysis for infertility may detect asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. This type doesnt need treatment.
Pain Or Burning During Urination
The urinary tract becomes inflamed and swelling, as well as the prostate. This leads to an overactivation of nerve terminals. They become irritated, and any additional impulse will be translated into pain. Then, urination can feel burning or painful, as if the patient had a urinary infection. Infected urine and prostatitis have in common this symptom, and sometimes it can be a bit difficult to differentiate them.
Painful urination is often attributed to urinary infections. It is often found as a symptom in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. If thats the case and doctors prescribe antibiotics, the symptoms will be solved in bacterial prostatitis. But in nonbacterial prostatitis, antibiotics are unlikely to resolve the problem.
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 Are The Symptoms Of Prostatitis
Each type of prostatitis has a range of symptoms that vary depending on the cause and may not be the same for every man. Many symptoms are similar to those of other conditions.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome can include pain or discomfort lasting 3 or more months in one or more of the following areas:
- between the scrotum and anus
- the central lower abdomen
- the scrotum
- the lower back
Pain during or after ejaculation is another common symptom. A man with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome may have pain spread out around the pelvic area or may have pain in one or more areas at the same time. The pain may come and go and appear suddenly or gradually. Other symptoms may include
- pain in the urethra during or after urination.
- pain in the penis during or after urination.
- urinary frequencyurination eight or more times a day. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination.
- urinary urgencythe inability to delay urination.
- a weak or an interrupted urine stream.
Acute bacterial prostatitis. The symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis come on suddenly and are severe. Men should seek immediate medical care. Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis may include
Causes Of Prostatitis Immune Responses
When it comes to common causes of prostatitis, you should not forget immune responses. Many patients are intrigued with the immune system and it can be a cause of the symptoms of prostatitis. This may make this disorder similar to rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, asthma, lupus, allergies and a few other diseases.
Learn More: Natural Home Remedies For Allergies In Babies & Toddlers
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 https://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/prostatitis.html.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes urinary tract symptoms and pelvic pain in men. 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. Most cases can be diagnosed with a convincing history and physical examination. Although prostatitis-like symptoms have a combined prevalence of 8.2% in men, the incidence and prevalence of acute bacterial prostatitis are unknown.
Causes Of Prostatitis Prostate Pain Syndrome
The exact cause of chronic prostatitis can be caused by pelvic pain that occurs for more than 3 months with urinary tract infection. The pain can range from mild to severe and some possible risk factors for this condition are:
- Earlier episode of the infection of prostate gland
- Inflammation of the nerves that are around the prostate gland
- Backflow of urine into your prostate
- Nerve damages causing pain
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome
Continue reading this entire article to discover other common causes of prostatitis and then try to treat this syndrome as soon as possible.
Learn More: How To Cure A Urinary Tract Infection Naturally 8 Tips
Questions Your Doctor May Ask To Determine Chronic Prostatitis
- How would you describe your walk?
- Do you feel pain when you urinate?
- Have you been feeling more tired than usual, lethargic or fatigued despite sleeping a normal amount?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes?
- Do you wake up almost every night to urinate?
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.
What Are The Risk Factors For Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis
The cause of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is unknown. This makes it difficult to predict who is at risk for this condition. However, research into the cause is ongoing. Once a cause is discovered, doctors will be able to identify risk factors and target treatment.
request a urine sample to look for infection.
During a prostate exam, your doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. They do this so they can feel for a tender, soft, or swollen prostate, which indicates inflammation or infection. Depending on the results of your exam, your doctor may perform the following:
- prostate ultrasound
- tests to rule out a sexually transmitted infection
- studies to evaluate urine flow
- further evaluation of the urinary tract
How Are Bacterial Forms Of Prostatitis Managed Or Treated
Antibiotics can kill bacteria that cause bacterial types of prostatitis. Men with acute bacterial prostatitis may need 14 to 30 days of antibiotics, starting with IV antibiotics in the hospital. Rarely, men need surgery to drain an abscess on the prostate.
Treating chronic bacterial prostatitis is challenging. You may need up to three months of antibiotics to sterilize the prostate. If the prostate cant be sterilized, low-dose antibiotics can be used long term to prevent recurrences. Some men need surgery to remove prostate stones or scar tissue in the urethra. Rarely, surgeons remove part or all of the prostate gland .
I Symptoms Risk Factors & Complications Of Prostatitis
The symptoms of prostatitis can improve rapidly or last for a couple of months and keep recurring. Some common signs and symptoms of prostatitis can include:
- Difficulty in urinating like hesitant or dribbling urination
- Burning feeling when urination
- Using a tube that is inserted into your urethra
- Having experienced a prostate biopsy
Read on 10 Early Symptoms Of HIV Infection to know whether or not you are suffering from HIV infection, so check it out!
Some complications of prostatitis can be:
- Bacterial infection of the blood
- Pus-packed cavity in your prostate
- Inflammation of the coiled tube associated with the testicles back
- Semen infertility and abnormalities
If left untreated, in some cases, prostatitis can lead to further infection as well as other health problems.
To know some of the main causes of infertility in both men and women, read Top 16 Main Causes Of Infertility In Women And Men
Symptoms Of Chronic Prostatitis
This type of prostatitis is the most common and is caused by inflammation that can irritate nerves in the area of the prostate. It is sometimes called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS.
In addition to common prostatitis symptoms, people who have CPPS may also experience:
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain in the penis, lower abdomen , lower back, or perineum
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.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
This is one of the common causes of prostatitis that I want to mention in this entire article and want all of my readers to know for good. According to a research , the cases of getting nonbacterial prostatitis make up about 90% of all of the prostatitis sufferers. And about half of the cases are because of problems with pelvic tension disorders or pelvic floor muscles. To treat chronic pelvic pain syndrome, you can try practicing Kegels.
Read More: How To Do Kegels For Women Correctly And Cautions
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.
What Are The Variations Of Prostatitis
There are three variations of prostatitis. They are:
Acute prostatitis: which is usually caused by bacteria and appears suddenly with severe symptoms;Chronic prostatitis: This is the most common type, and the cause if often undiagnosed. A bacterial infection can also cause chronic prostatitis, but it develops at a slower rate than the acute type and presents more mild symptoms.Asymptomatic prostatitis: This is inflammation of the prostate gland without any noticeable symptoms.
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.
Is Prostatitis Cancer
No. Prostatitis is a benign ailment, which, while not always curable, is almost always treatable with antibiotics. Occasionally, inflammation due to prostatitis can raise your PSA level . However, it does not lead to cancer.
Prostate cancer is believed to be due to a combination of factors including diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environmental exposures. There is, however, a question as to whether continued inflammation of the prostate may lead to the eventual development of prostate cancer, and studies are being done to determine if reducing inflammation can prevent prostate cancer.
When To See A Doctor
You should see your doctor when you have symptoms of prostatitis. Sometimes these symptoms can signal other more serious conditions, including prostate cancer. Getting treatment for prostatitis can help prevent complications, including sexual dysfunction and infertility.
You should immediately seek medical help if you are completely unable to urinate, have problems or pain while urinating, have a fever and/or chills, see blood in your urine, or have a lot of pain and discomfort in your urinary tract or lower abdomen.
Symptoms Of Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, often Klebsiella or Escherichia bacteria from the colon. Bacterial infections should be treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
In addition to the common urinary symptoms, signs of bacterial prostatitis include:
- Fever
Your doctor may find your prostate is swollen and tender upon exam.
Help With Your Symptoms
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may help with pain or discomfort. Ask your doctor if you can take these.
Warm baths may relieve some of your perineal and lower back pain.
Avoid substances that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, and acidic or spicy foods.
Drink plenty of fluids, 64 or more ounces per day, if your doctor says this is OK. This helps flush bacteria from the bladder. It can also help prevent constipation.
- Get some exercise every day. Start slowly and build up at least 30 minutes a day.
Can Prostate Infections Make Me Infertile
Infections of the prostate can cause swelling and block off part of the reproductive passage that goes through the prostate. This can also stop sperm from being ejaculated.
Because the prostate and seminal vesicles create most of the fluid that you ejaculate, a blockage near the prostate can sometimes lower the amount of semen ejaculated. Infected cells can also be passed from the prostate and seminal vesicles into the semen, which can damage the sperm.
Having To Urinate Often
The urinary bladder is located next to the prostate. In prostatitis, the gland becomes inflamed, and the same happens to the adjacent structures. The bladder becomes slightly inflamed, and this often causes urinary symptoms.
It feels similar to a urinary infection. Patients feel urinary urgency and the need to urinate often. The urine flow may also become compromised, especially in older patients. As a result, we have more urinary frequency but almost the same volume.
Treatments For Symptom Relief
The preferred treatment regimen for chronic bacterial prostatitis is a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
Although NSAIDs can provide relief from the pain of prostatitis, theyre primarily used to reduce inflammation.
Other medications you may receive are:
- stool softeners to avoid constipation
- alpha-blocker medications, such as tamsulosin , to help treat urinary retention
Certain home remedies may be able to ease your symptoms too. Home remedies include:
- warm baths
- avoiding alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices, and hot and spicy food
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.
Pain That Comes And Goes In The Lower Abdomen Around The Anus In The Groin Or In The Back
This pelvic floor pain is a key symptom to diagnose chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This type of pain has varying degrees of intensity. Most cases of pelvic pain are held for a very long time. Patients feel continuous pain and reduce their quality of life. When the problem becomes chronic, it doesnt matter if you have mild or severe pain.
Longstanding pain is still tough to live through and requires not only medications but also psychological therapy. Theres an understanding that the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome are an interplay of psychological, neurological, immune, and endocrine problems .
Causes Of Prostatitis Past Bacterial Infections
If you have experienced bacterial infections before, whether they are urinary tract infections or other bacterial infections, this can affect whether or not you have prostatitis in the future. This type of prostatitis is more difficult to treat as it is harder to tell the exact cause of your infection. If you have experienced a past bacterial infection, especially when your reoccurring urinary tract infection never seems to disappear, go to sit your doctor immediately. It is very important for you to follow the doctors instructions and complete the treatments in order to ensure that all of the symptoms are gone away.
In fact, they are also common causes of prostatitis, so you should try to treat these infections completely as soon as possible to reduce the risks of developing prostatitis.
What Is Chronic Prostatitis
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder in men. This gland makes fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen.
Prostatitis is inflammation or swelling of the prostate gland. When symptoms start gradually and linger for more than a couple of weeks, the condition is called chronic prostatitis.
Three major types of chronic prostatitis are:
Chronic prostatitis is common and affects adult men of all ages and from all backgrounds. About five percent of men experience symptoms of chronic prostatitis at some point in their lives. Chronic prostatitis is the reason for up to 25% of office visits to urologists. Urologists are doctors who specialize in diseases of the urinary tract.
Some men develop a chronic infection in the prostate that does not cause any symptoms. Men with this problem may be diagnosed during an evaluation for other urological conditions, such as enlarged prostate or infertility. Doctors often treat the infection with the same antibiotics used for chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Bacterial infection of the prostate gland also can cause acute prostatitis, which starts suddenly and usually causes fever and more serious symptoms. Acute prostatitis is less common than chronic prostatitis.
Bacteria From A Prostate Biopsy
After a transrectal prostate biopsy, inoculation of bacteria is always a possibility.
Doctors always try to prevent this problem by cleaning the fields and prescribing antibiotics. However, resistant bacteria may still colonize the prostate gland .
It is more likely that you get prostatitis as a young adult if you have these risk factors:
- A recurrent urinary tract infection
- Abnormalities in your urinary tract
- Diagnosed prostatic calculi or intraprostatic ductal reflux
- If you constantly engage in anal sex
- Phimosis and excessive foreskin
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- Helps reduce prostate size and symptoms
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:
Warning Symptoms Of Prostatitis
Prostate cancer is one of the main concerns in older adult males.
The incidence of prostate problems increases as we age. But theres a prostate problem that appears in young and older patients.
Prostatitis can be widespread in adult males. It is actually more common in patients younger than 50 years old. But older patients with prostate problems may also develop prostatitis. For example, prostatitis can be a complication of a transrectal prostate biopsy.
Thats why males should know about prostatitis regardless of their age. In this article, we are going to review this prostate problem and its warning signs.
We are also giving you a few recommendations about what you can do if you have these symptoms.
What Treatment Options Are Available
The goal of treatment is to help improve symptoms. Taking antibiotics to treat this condition is controversial.
Some doctors dont give antibiotics because the condition may be chronic and not caused by an active infection. Some doctors will prescribe antibiotics, thinking it could help treat an infection that may not be easily identified.
Other common treatments include:
- medications to relax the prostate muscles called alpha-adrenergic blockers the same medications used to treat other prostate conditions, like BPH
- other medications like muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants to help with pain
- prescription pain medication or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling
- plant extracts, like some herbal supplements that have
Alternative and natural remedies that may reduce ongoing pain include:
- warm baths
- using a cushion or pillow when sitting for long periods
- massage therapy
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.
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 .