Prostatitis Specialist
Prostatitis is a common condition affecting men of all ages, which is characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland. In this article, we will talk about the different types of prostatitis and their causes. We will also talk about how the symptoms can be treated.
At Maiden Lane Medical in New York, we offer comprehensive care for men suffering from prostatitis. Our specialized team is dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and managing this condition to improve your quality of life. Contact us today!
What is Prostatitis?
The Prostate
The prostate is a small gland in men that helps make semen. It’s located just below the bladder in front of the rectum. Prostate problems, like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and more can become more common after the age of 50. Learn about common prostate issues and what you can do to treat and prevent them.
Types of Prostatitis
There are several known causes of prostatitis:
- Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: A sudden bacterial infection that causes severe symptoms. It is less common but potentially serious if not treated promptly.
- Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: A recurring bacterial infection of the prostate, characterized by repeated episodes of infection.
- Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS): The most common type that causes chronic pain and urinary symptoms. Though the original cause of the prostatitis was infection, the chronic inflammation of the prostate gland irritates nerves that cause the pelvic floor muscles to spasm, resulting in persistent pelvic pain symptoms, even after the infection is treated. Physical Therapy of the pelvic floor muscles is necessary to treat this condition.
Have more questions?
Signs and Symptoms of Prostatitis
Causes and Risk Factors of Prostatitis
The cause of prostatitis depends on the type. Potential causes are as follows:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis: It is caused by a bacterial infection. Often, the infection has spread from another part of the body, such as the urinary or reproductive system.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis: This, too, is caused by a bacterial infection. It may become chronic if treatment isn’t long enough to treat an acute infection or if the treatment does not clear the infection.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: The exact causes are not fully understood. It is thought that factors such as previous prostate infections, resulting in irritation and upregulation of the local nerves, resulting in pelvic muscle spasm with pelvic pain symptoms.
Risk factors that elevate the chance of prostatitis include:
- You are in the early part or middle of your adulthood
- Your sexual partner suffers from bacterial vaginosis and recurrent urinary tract infections
- You had prostatitis before
- You have an infection of the urinary or reproductive system
- You engage in anal sex
- You are using a urinary catheter
- A biopsy of your prostate tissue was recently taken.
Have more questions?
Complications of Prostatitis
If left untreated, prostatitis can lead to complications such as:
- Bacteremia (bacteria in the blood)
- Prostatic abscess (pus-filled cavity in the prostate)
- Infertility
- Chronic pain and urinary issues
Diagnosis
Diagnosing prostatitis typically involves a combination of the following:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: Including a digital rectal exam to check for prostate enlargement or tenderness.
- Urine Tests: To identify infection or inflammation.
- Blood Tests: Your doctor may want to measure PSA levels. PSA is a protein made by your prostate gland. When the levels are high, it may indicate prostatitis, enlarged prostate, or prostate cancer.
- Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound or MRI to view the prostate.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of prostatitis:
- Antibiotics: For acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. You may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics if you have acute prostatitis. You may be required to take antibiotic medication for 4-6 weeks or longer.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: For pelvic pain and muscle relaxation if pelvic floor muscle spasticity is determined to be a cause of symptoms.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage symptoms:
- Warm Baths: To ease pelvic muscle pain.
- Avoiding Certain Foods and Drinks: Such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, that can irritate the prostate.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or counseling can help manage chronic pain.
When to See a Doctor
Book an Appointment Today
Men's Health Specialists
Related Services
Don't know which doctor to choose? Let us help you.
