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Prostatitis

The prostate gland helps in making semen and lies below the bladder and around the urethra (tube carrying urine out of the body) in men.Inflammation of the prostate gland is known asprostatitis. The enlarged prostate gland presses against the urethra, causing infection, pain and urinary problems. When symptoms last for a long time, the condition is called chronic prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis is a common condition that affects men between 30 to 50 years of age. Itis of two main types:

  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis
  • Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CPPS)

Causes

The cause depends on the type of chronic prostatitis.

  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis: caused by a persistent bacterial infection
  • Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CPPS): The exact cause is not clear. Possible causes may include problems with the nerves that supply the prostrate, an autoimmune condition of the prostate gland or infection by an unidentified germ.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include pain and discomfort around the genitals, anus and/or lower back, pain while passing stool or urinating, and frequent urination or urinary urgency. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is associated with recurring urinary infections while chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is characterized by pain or discomfort at the base of the penis, and symptoms that last for more than three months. Sexual problems of CPPS may include difficulty achieving an erection, and pain during and after ejaculation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of chronic prostatitis is made by your physician with a thorough physical examination of your prostate gland by inserting a gloved finger into the anus. To rule out other causes of chronic prostatitis, your physician may order tests that may include:

  • Ultrasound scan of your kidneys
  • Blood test
  • Urine sample examination to detect infections
  • Swab or urine test to identify sexually transmitted infection

Treatment

Most patients with chronic prostatitis are effectively treated with the following measures:

  • Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
  • Antibiotics, and other medications to treat the enlarged prostate and relieve pain
  • Homeopathic therapy
  • Stress management and other pain-relieving techniques to help cope with the persistent pain
  • In rare cases, removal of the prostate (prostatectomy)