What are the types of prostatitis and how are they treated?

Prostatitis is an inflammation-related prostate disease
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Prostatitis often causes painful or difficult urination, as well as pain in the groin, pelvic area, or genitals
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Bacterial infections can cause prostatitis, but not all prostatitis is caused by bacterial infections
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The prostate is about the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder in men
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The prostate and other gonads produce fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation
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Types of prostatitis are generally divided into four types: acute bacterial prostatitis: bacterial infection of the prostate, usually accompanied by sudden, severe symptoms
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Chronic bacterial prostatitis: persistent or recurrent bacterial infection, usually mild symptoms
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Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: persistent or recurrent pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms without evidence of infection
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Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
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Symptoms Signs and symptoms of prostatitis can vary by disease type
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May include: Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria) Difficulty urinating, such as hesitancy to urinate Penile or testicular pain or discomfort Ejaculation pain Fever, chills, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms (acute bacterial prostatitis) Causes vary by type of prostatitis Acute bacterial prostatitis: Usually caused by common bacteria
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The infection may be spread from other parts of the urinary or reproductive system
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Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Usually the same cause as acute bacterial infection
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Chronic bacterial prostatitis can occur when an acute infection is not treated long enough or fails to kill all the bacteria
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Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: unknown
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Studies have shown that a combination of factors may play a role, including previous infections, neurological dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, psychological stress, or irregular hormone levels
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Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: The cause is unclear and is usually only discovered when examining other conditions
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Risk factors Risk factors for prostatitis include: Young or middle-aged history of prostatitis Urinary or reproductive infection HIV infection or AIDS (AIDS) use of urinary catheters Diagnostic sampling (biopsy) of prostate tissue Chronic prostate Other risk factors for prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome may include: Psychological stress Nerve damage in the pelvic area due to surgery or trauma Complications of acute or chronic prostatitis may include: Bacteremia Epididymitis Prostate abscess infection spread to upper Complications of chronic prostatitis in the pelvis or lower spine/chronic pelvic pain syndrome may include: anxiety or depression Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction lead to prostate cancer
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Researchers are exploring whether chronic prostatitis is a risk factor for cancer
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Symptoms associated with a diagnosis of prostatitis can be caused by a variety of conditions
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Diagnosis of bacterial infection Evaluation of the diagnosis of infection includes: digital rectal examination
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Urine test
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blood test
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to test for infections and other prostate problems
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Prostate specimen testing
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In some cases, during a rectal exam, the prostate is gently massaged and fluid is released into the urethra
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A urine sample (containing prostatic fluid) after massage is tested for bacteria
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Other tests: If initial tests do not show infection, other tests will be done, including: urodynamic testing
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imaging
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Imaging tests are done to identify prostate irregularities, abnormal growths, or other problems in the pelvic area that may be causing pain
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Treatment for prostatitis depends on the specific type and symptoms of prostatitis
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Treatment of infections If acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed, antibiotics are required
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Acute prostatitis requires short-term intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital
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Antibiotic treatment cycles are usually 4 to 6 weeks, although longer in some cases
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Eliminate infections and reduce the risk of chronic bacterial prostatitis, requiring prescription medication
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Treating Urinary Symptoms Alpha-blockers help relax the muscles in the bladder neck and the muscle fibers at the junction of the prostate and bladder
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This medication may relieve urinary symptoms, such as painful urination or difficulty urinating
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Alpha-blockers are commonly used in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, but are sometimes used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by bacterial infections
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Your pain doctor may prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
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Managing psychological symptoms Psychotherapy can help relieve stress, depression, or anxiety associated with chronic pain
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Life>
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Limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or acidic foods as these can irritate the bladder
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Drink plenty of water
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Urinate more to help the bladder flush out bacteria
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Reference source: mayoclinic