What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is an inflammation and swelling that affects the prostate gland. Your prostate gland makes seminal fluid, which nourishes sperm and mixes with it to create semen. Your prostate gland surrounds your urethra below your bladder and in front of the rectum.
Prostatitis can have several causes, develop quickly or slowly, and last for short periods or become chronic.
What causes prostatitis?
Prostatitis can have several causes, including nerve damage in the lower urinary tract and bacterial infection, which typically occurs when bacteria in your urine enter your prostate gland.
Several factors increase your risk of developing prostatitis, including:
- A history of prostatitis
- Infections of the bladder or urethra
- Trauma to your pelvis
- Undergoing a prostate biopsy or having a urinary catheter
- Conditions like HIV/AIDS
You’re also at higher risk of prostatitis if you’re under 50. In many cases, the precise cause of prostatitis is unknown.
What are the symptoms of prostatitis?
The signs of prostatitis vary depending on its cause, but they may include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Difficulty urinating
- A frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Burning or pain while urinating or ejaculating
- Cloudy urine or signs of blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin
- Discomfort or pain in the penis, testicles, or the area between the rectum and scrotum
When left untreated, some forms of prostatitis can grow worse and lead to other health complications.
How is prostatitis diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose prostatitis, your Advanced Urology of South Florida provider conducts a comprehensive exam that includes a physical, a discussion of your symptoms, and a review of your medical history. They might recommend additional tests, such as:
- Urine test: to look for infection
- Blood test: to identify prostate problems and infection
- Digital rectal exam: to evaluate your prostate gland
- Post-prostatic massage: to test your prostate gland secretions
- Digital imaging tests: like a CT scan or ultrasound to look for abnormalities
Based on your diagnosis, your doctor may suggest a variety of therapies, such as antibiotics to treat infection, medications to ease symptoms like painful urination, and anti-inflammatories to make you more comfortable.
In addition to medical therapies, your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes to relieve your symptoms. These typically include avoiding activities, beverages, and foods that irritate your prostate.
To find relief from prostatitis discomfort, call Advanced Urology of South Florida or schedule an appointment online today.
