Basic Things About Prostatitis

What is prostattitis?

Prostatitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland. Located below the bladder in men, the prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluids harbouring and transmitting sperm. There are evident symptoms that can be felt when suffering from prostatitis including pain in the groin, painful and difficult urination, pain in the pelvic part and genitals, and flu-like symptoms that may even persist. This kind of disease is common in men aged 50 and below, however, it can definitely affect men of all ages.  

Causes and Symptoms of Prostatitis  

Although some causes of prostatitis could be unidentified, there are several reasons and events that may lead to prostatitis.

Nerve damage in the lower urinary tract might contribute to the development of prostatitis. In some cases, surgery or trauma that directly affects the prostate area may cause nerve damage. This non-bacterial prostatitis can be treated, depending on the symptoms.

Bacterial infections are also common causes of Acute Bacterial Prostatitis. The infection occurs when bacteria strains that enter the prostate have infected the urinary tract. This kind of prostatitis can also be acquired from having sexual activities or undergoing examinations such as prostate biopsy and prostate ultrasound. Sudden and painful occurrence of symptoms may show when a patient is infected with acute bacterial prostatitis. Some of the symptoms may be fever, chills, and painful urination. However, prostatitis caused by bacterial infection is normally treated with antibiotics. If the bacteria were not effectively eliminated through antibiotics, prostatitis could occur again and may even lead to chronic bacterial prostatitis.   

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis originally comes from an acute bacterial infection of the prostate. Pain around the penis, testicles, bladder, may occur as well as in the area between sex organs and anus. Due to improper treatment, the infection becomes more chronic and damaging when medications are not well-administered to the patient and may last for months.  

Treatments for Prostatitis  

Most acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis cases are prescribed to treat with antibiotics or other medications depending on the symptoms. Patients may take 2-4 weeks of antibiotics for acute bacterial prostatitis while individuals suffering from chronic bacterial prostatitis may be required to take antibiotics for 12 weeks or more.  

The following pointer can be helpful in preventing acquiring prostatitis:  

• Drinking plenty of water (6-8 glasses a day)  
• Practising safe sex to avoid any other risk factors  
• Urinating when feeling the urge to do so to avoid any chance of bacteria exposure  

If feeling unusual symptoms, it is well-advised to see the doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Nowadays, treatment and help required for this kind of disease are available.