We Know: All About Prostatitis What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. A swollen prostate can press against the urethra and impede urinary flow. Because of the constriction of the urethra, urination becomes painful and difficult. Prostatitis accounts for up to 25% of all urinary and genital-related medical office visits by men. What are the symptoms of prostatitis? An inflamed prostate may lead to frequent urination, particularly at night, or burning and painful urination. Patients may experience lower abdominal pain in the perineal region (between the anus and genitals) or pelvic area. Advanced cases of prostatitis can result in decreased urinary flow or urine retention. What are the different forms of prostatitis? Prostatitis can be classified into four distinct types. They are Acute prostatitis - the least common form of prostatitis is the most treatable form. Symptoms can include pain, fever, chills, and urinary tract infections (UTI). Fast growing, the result of a bacterial infection caused by the E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Detected in 2 of every 10,000 medical office visits. Chronic bacterial prostatitis - slow growing and rare. Due to a bacterially-induced infection to the prostate Patients may be asymptomatic for some time before exhibiting symptoms Detected in 5 of every 10,000 medical office visits. Risk increases in men over the age of 30 Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome - the most common form is the least understood and the most difficult to treat. This disorder is thought to be caused by a defect in the prostate that makes it susceptible to infection. Inflammatory form of this disorder do not show signs of infection, but there are infection-fighting white blood cells present Noninflammatory form does not show any signs of infection or white blood cells Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis - patient shows no symptoms, but white blood cells are present in the semen How is prostatitis diagnosed? Doctors will conduct a physical examination to check out the prostate, lymph nodes of the groin, scrotum, and urethra. Urine samples may also be collected to test for signs of bacterial infection. Additionally, patients may have their PSA levels tested for elevated PSA counts (as in acute prostatitis). A semen analysis may be used to detect changes in white blood cell and sperm counts due to prostatitis. How is prostatitis treated? Bacterial forms of the disorder are treated with antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) and fluoroquinolones (Floxin, Cipro). Treatments for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome include warm baths, changes in diet, or by using alpha blockers that relax the prostate. Surgery may be recommended to correct recurrent cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis. What is the prognosis? Men who have been treated for acute prostatitis usually end up symptom-free. Some cases lead to recurrence and the possibility of developing the chronic form of the disorder.
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