Prostatitis is swelling and irritation of the prostate gland.
The condition is called Bacterial Prostatitis when it is caused by an infection with bacteria.
- Acute bacterial Prostatitis starts quickly.
- Chronic bacterial Prostatitis lasts for 3 months or more.
Ongoing irritation of the prostate that is not caused by bacteria is called chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Acute Prostatitis can start quickly and can include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Flushing of the skin
Symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis are similar, but not as severe. They often begin more slowly. Some people have no symptoms between episodes. Symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Burning or pain with urination (dysuria)
- Difficulty starting to urinate or emptying the bladder
- Foul-smelling urine
- Weak urine stream
- Pain or achiness in the abdomen above the pubic bone, in the lower back, in the area between the genitals and anus, or in the testicles
- Pain with ejaculation or blood in the semen
- Pain with bowel movements
Diagnosis
Your Ohio State urologist may perform a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam. A prostatic massage may help determine whether you have an infection in the prostate gland. Urinalysis may also be used to determine a diagnosis.
Treatment
Antibiotics are often used to treat prostate infections. If your swollen prostate gland makes it hard to empty your bladder, you may need a tube to empty it.
These practices may also help:
- Urinate often and completely.
- Take warm baths to relieve pain.
- Take stool softeners to make bowel movements more comfortable.
- Avoid substances that irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated foods and drinks, citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods.
- Drink more fluid (64 - 128 ounces per day) to urinate often and help flush bacteria out of your bladder.