Prostatitis – Definition, Cause And Treatment
The prostrate gland is an important organ in a man’s body which produces semen, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Its inflammation is called prostatitis with numerous symptoms including frequent urination and pain or burning while urinating.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, its symptoms develop slowly and are not as severe as acute prostatitis. Excessive urination at night, frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, pain in the lower back and painful ejaculation are some of its prominent symptoms. The most common form of prostatitis is chronic nonbacterial prostates where it has similar symptoms to chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, tests done here don’t detect any bacteria in the urine or fluid in the prostate gland. There may also be pus cells present at times.
Prostatitis usually occurs in old men; but can be developed in young men who have had a bladder infection, used a urinary catheter, certain jobs, jogging or bicycling and stopping and starting when urinating. Prostatitis is diagnosed by first eliminating other possible conditions with similar symptoms and determining the type of prostatitis you may have. This is done with a medical history and physical exam with a digital rectal exam. Sometimes, the doctor may also test urine and semen samples for bacteria and white blood cells.
aThe treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis you have and generally includes antibiotics for infections, alpha blockers to relax the bladder neck, pain relievers for pain relief and muscle relaxants to cure spasms. With the help of physical therapy like exercise and biofeedback, tight muscles are relaxed. Sitz baths are also effective as these warm baths relieve pain while relaxing lower abdominal muscles.
