Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It is
a very common disorder and can affect a man at any age. In fact,
it is the most commonly diagnosed urologic disease in men. About
50% of adult men in the United States will be treated for prostatitis
during their lifetime.
Background Information
What causes Prostatitis?
Infections by bacteria or other organisms cause prostatic inflammation
in 50-70% of men. These bacteria may come from a bladder infection
or from sexually transmitted diseases.
Prostatitis is also commonly caused by a chemical reaction
due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement
of the prostate gland. For example, if the urine flow is slowed
down or cut off by BPH, some of the urine may remain in the
urethra after urination and back up into the prostate gland.
This condition is called urinary reflux. A chemical in the
urine called urate irritates the tissue of the prostate gland
and can cause inflammation.
There are three main types of prostatitis:
Bacterial Prostatitis (acute and chronic)
Nonbacterial
Prostatitis
Prostatodynia
Bacterial Prostatitis
There are two main forms of bacterial prostatitis; acute
and chronic. Acute bacterial prostatitis occurs in about
one in
ten men with prostatitis and develops suddenly, like any
other major bacterial infection. It may be caused by E. coli,
Klebsiella,
Pseudomonas, or other types of bacteria.
Symptoms are often severe and, therefore, are usually quickly
diagnosed. They may include fever, chills, pain in the lower
back or pelvic area, aching muscles, fatigue, and frequent
urination. The bladder may also be infected.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis also occurs in about one in
ten men with prostatitis. This form of bacterial prostatitis
tends to reoccur after the initial infection has been treated
and symptoms disappear.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Nonbacterial prostatitis
occurs in about six out of ten men with prostatitis. The inflammation
may be related to organisms
other than bacteria or to factors that are unknown or difficult
to determine. Symptoms are much the same as for bacterial
prostatitis: occasional vague discomfort in the testicles,
urethra, lower abdomen and back; discharge from the urethra,
blood in the urine or ejaculate, sexual difficulties and
frequent urination.
Prostatodynia
Prostatodynia means pain in
the area of the prostate gland and occurs in about three out
of ten men with prostate irritation.
Unfortunately, tests used to diagnose infection and certain
problems affecting the gland and other pelvic organs are
not useful in detecting the cause of this pain. Symptoms
include pain and discomfort in the prostate gland, testicles,
penis and urethra, and difficulty in urinating.
Treatment and Follow-up Options for Prostatitis
Acute
and Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic that can penetrate
the prostate gland tissue and kill the bacteria causing the
infection. It is important that you take all the antibiotic
prescribed to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
Chronic infections may be more difficult to cure. Longer treatment
with antibiotics or different types of medication may be required
to cure the infection.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Depending on the cause of irritation, different treatments
may be used. Anti-inflammatory drugs may help some patients.
If your symptoms are caused by urinary reflux into the prostate,
your doctor may prescribe drugs that reduce the amount of
irritating chemical in the urine.
Prostatodynia
Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or drugs that
combat urinary problems, since these conditions may cause
difficult or painful urination.
There are also numerous alternative (non drug) treatments
that your doctor may recommend to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis.
Please consult with your physician concerning which treatment
is best in your case.
Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What type of prostatitis do I have?
For my diagnosis what treatment options do I have?
What
do you suggest and why?
What are the benefits of this option?
What are the potential
risks or side effects of this option?
Will I need more
tests? For what purpose? What can I do to make my treatment
most effective?
RESOURCE SUPPORT
For additional information about bladder cancer, the following resources
are available:
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service (CIS) 800-4-CANCER
Cancernet www.cancernet.nci.nih.gov
The Cancer Information Service (CIS) and Cancernet are National
Cancer Institute programs which provide a nationwide telephone
service and
web site for cancer patients and their families and friends.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a voluntary organization
with a national office in Atlanta Georgia, and local facilities
across
the country. It supports research, patient
education programs, and other services for family members,
as well as free booklets on bladder
cancer and home care.
This report is intended for patient education
and information only. It does not constitute advice, nor should
it be taken to suggest or replace professional medical care from
your physician. Your treatment options may vary, depending upon
medical history and current condition. Only your physician and
you can determine your best option. Provided to you as a service
by AmeriPath, Inc
Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It is
a very common disorder and can affect a man at any age. In fact,
it is the most commonly diagnosed urologic disease in men. About
50% of adult men in the United States will be treated for prostatitis
during their lifetime.
