Everything you need to know about prostatitis

Prostatitis occurs when the prostate becomes inflamed. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system, located just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that becomes the vehicle for sperm cells to make up semen. When this gland is inflamed and swollen, it can cause discomfort and urinary issues. Mr Chris Blick, an expert urologist, explains all about prostatitis in this article.

What causes prostatitis?

There are two types of prostatitis:

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis, caused by a bacterial infection and has a rapid onset. Additional symptoms like fever, aches, and chills accompany this.
2. Chronic prostatitis, which lasts for three months or more, and symptoms may come and go. This is the most common type of prostatitis. It can be caused by bacterial infection, but there are other possible causes that will need to be addressed by alternative treatments. In cases of chronic prostatitis, professional medical attention, such as from a urologist, should be sought out.

Many cases of prostatitis are caused by bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), backflow of urine through the urethra, urinary retention, or injury. Other nonbacterial causes could be stress, autoimmune diseases, and pelvic floor muscle damage.  

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

The symptoms of prostatitis are:

• Stinging or burning sensation during urination
• Difficult or forced urination
• Increased frequency of urination
• Pain in the genitals, anus, or lower back
• Pain during ejaculation and sexual intercourse
• High temperature
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in urine (haematuria)

The urethra runs through the prostate, which is why its condition can affect urination capability.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

If prostatitis is left untreated, the symptoms can become aggravated and complications can arise such as complete inability to urinate, an abscess of the prostate, a spreading of the inflammation to other organs, and total sexual dysfunction.

Prostatitis can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, such as:

• Digital rectal exam, where the doctor, after obtaining consent, will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel around the prostate for swelling or pain.
• Urine test, where a urine sample is collected and analysed for bacteria.
• Transrectal ultrasound, where a probe is inserted into the rectum and high-frequency soundwaves are emitted to capture a real-time image of the inside of the pelvis and the organs, showing any abnormalities, stones, or abscesses.
• Blood test to measure levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which can indicate prostatitis, as well as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.

How is prostatitis treated?

To ease urination, medications like tamsulosin or alfuzosin can relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder. Painkillers can be used to manage physical discomfort, and they may be prescribed or purchased over the counter, depending on the intensity of pain.

When prostatitis is caused by bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics. This course of treatment will take several weeks. A doctor will prescribe the antibiotics, and patients should take care to follow the instructions of how much and when to dose diligently. For acute prostatitis, the antibiotics will need to be taken for up to six weeks, but for chronic prostatitis, the medication will need to be taken for at least six weeks, and up to 12, however, it will all depend on the specific prescription.

Patients are encouraged to drink a lot of fluids – around four litres daily – to urinate often to try and flush out bacteria.

If you are having issues with urination, or suspect your prostate is inflamed, consult with a specialist via Top Doctors today.