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OVERVIEW

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is a gland that that is part of the male reproductive system. It’s about the size of a walnut and helps in sperm production and ejaculation. The prostate lies below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. This occurs when the gland’s tissue becomes swollen and irritated. This can hurt. There are 2 main types: bacterial prostatitis (chronic or acute) or nonbacterial prostatitis.

SYMPTOMS

 You can have a range of prostatitis symptoms. They may be similar to other problems with your prostate or urinary tract. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:

• Difficult or painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Fever
• Low-back pain
• Pain in the penis, testicles or perineum (the area between the testicles and the anus)
• Blood in your urine or semen
• Inability to get an erection
• Tenderness in your lower stomach

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes prostatitis?

An infection causes bacterial prostatitis. It is chronic if it starts slowly and lasts for several months. It is acute if it begins and goes away quickly. Infection can occur from:

• A biopsy or surgery
• A sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Urine blockage
• An injury to your genitals

Nonbacterial prostatitis is more common, but its cause is unknown. This type usually is chronic. It may be related to a previous urinary tract infection (UTI) or chemicals in your urine. Pelvic nerve damage also is a possible cause.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may ask about your family’s medical history. They may also do physical and rectal exams. For the physical test, the healthcare provider looks for a swollen, tender scrotum and enlarged lymph nodes in your groin area. For the rectal test, your healthcare provider will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. They feel the back of your prostate gland for swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Your healthcare provider also may test your urine, blood, or semen samples. This helps rule out other problems.

PREVENTION

Can prostatitis be prevented or avoided?

You can’t prevent most cases of prostatitis. However, you should get checked for STIs. To best protect yourself, use a condom during all sexual encounters. This helps prevent getting or spreading the infection.

People who have frequent UTIs are more likely to have prostatitis. Those who are 50 years of age or older and have an enlarged prostate also have an increased risk.

TREATMENT

It’s common for your healthcare provider to prescribe medicine to get rid of the infection, even for nonbacterial cases. This medicine helps get rid of infection. You may have to take the medicine for several weeks or a few months. For severe cases, you may need to go to a hospital. There you can get fluids to rehydrate or a catheter to help you urinate.

You can treat symptoms of prostatitis by doing these things:

• Drinking extra fluids to urinate more often. This helps get rid of the bacteria faster.
• Avoid food and drinks that dehydrate you. This includes caffeine, alcohol, and anything spicy or acidic.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These can reduce pain and swelling.
• Take warm baths to relieve pain in your lower back and other areas.

Living with prostatitis

Treatment should get rid of prostatitis. Take your medicine according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Finish the prescription and don’t skip any doses. Your healthcare provider likely will recommend follow-up tests. These will confirm if the infection is gone and help prevent it from reoccurring. If it does come back, you’ll need to take more medicine for a longer time.

It is rare for people who have prostatitis to need surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider if your condition is chronic and medicine isn’t helping.