The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate’s main function is to make fluid for semen. Prostatitis is commonly attributed to pain in and around the pelvis area near the prostate. This can happen to men of all ages and is not seen in one particular age group.
Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, inflammation from an injury or infection or a side effect of certain chemotherapy medications.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of prostatitis can range from mild to severe and can last for weeks or months if not treated. Some common symptoms are; pain in the pelvic area, pain with ejaculation, difficulty passing urine or painful urination and fever with chills if related to an infection.
Diagnosis
A detailed list of your current symptoms is key for your urologist to provide a diagnosis. An open conversation about all they symptoms you are experiencing along with their frequency will assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your physician will perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) to feel for any prostatic enlargement and to check for pain at the site. A urine sample normally is obtained to check for a bacterial infection. Sometimes a trans-rectal ultrasound is performed to visualize the prostate.
Treatment
Your treatment will depend on the type of prostatitis you have. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial prostatitis. If a urine culture is obtained, the antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of organism present in your urine. Anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to reduce the pain and help relax the pelvic muscles. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet changes and exercise can be done to help alleviate and ease the symptoms of prostatitis.
