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The prostate gland,
located just below the bladder, is about the size and shape of a walnut.
It's primary function is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm.
The prostate surrounds a portion of the urethra -- the tube that carries
urine from the bladder.
Understanding and
Treating Inflammation of the Prostate
Prostatitis is an
inflammation of the prostate, often causing swelling or pain. This common
condition takes three forms, ranging from annoying to severe.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
This is the most common type of prostatitis. Causes may include the following:
- Stress, which tightens
the pelvic muscles and may cause urine to back up into the ducts
- Irregular sexual
activity, which may plug the ducts
Symptoms, if any, may include the following:
- Frequent urination
- Pain in the lower
abdomen or low back
Acute (Severe)
Bacterial Prostatitis
Causes may include the following:
- Bacteria or viruses
- Sexually transmitted
diseases
Symptoms may be severe, can strike suddenly, and may include the following:
- Fever and chills
- Low back pain
- Frequent and painful
urination
- Decreasing, less
forceful urine stream
- Urinary retention
Chronic (Long-lasting)
Prostatitis
Causes may include the following:
- Bacterial prostatitis
- Inflammation in
the prostate
(Note: Stress or irregular sex may worsen the condition.)
Symptoms may include the following:
- Repeated bladder
infections
- Frequent urination
- Pain in the lower
abdomen or low back
YOUR DIAGNOSIS
By thoroughly examining
both your urine and your prostate, your doctor can begin to identify which
type of prostatitis you have and rule out more serious problems.
Urine Collection
Samples from both your urine and your prostate can reveal whether the
problem is in the urethra, bladder, or prostate. You'll be asked to collect
one or more samples from your urine stream.
 Digital
Rectal Exam
Your doctor inserts a well-lubricated gloved finger into your rectum to
determine the size and shape of your prostate, and to check for abnormalities.
Prostatic Massage
To collect a sample of prostatic fluid, your doctor may press on your
prostate. This forces prostatic fluid out into the urethra.
Ruling Out Other Problems
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test may be done to measure levels
of a prostate chemical in your blood. Both infection and cancer can increase
PSA levels. Transrectal ultrasound may be done if cancer is suspected
or abscesses are present. An ultrasound probe inserted a short way into
the rectum is used to create a clear image of your prostate on a video
screen.
YOUR TREATMENT
To treat your symptoms
and the underlying condition, medications or other treatments may be recommended.
If your doctor finds that you have an infection, medication can usually
clear it up completely.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants are often used to ease the symptoms
of nonbacterial prostatitis. Other recommendations may include taking
hot baths, relaxing when urinating, drinking more fluids, and ejaculating
frequently (to help drain the gland and relax the muscles). Your doctor
may also suggest a few dietary changes.
Acute Prostatitis
Prostate infections are often treated with anti-biotics that are taken
for at lease a week. Bed rest, stool softeners, and increased fluid intake
may also be recommended.
Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic infections may be treated with antibiotics or other medications.
If medication does not help, your doctor may discuss other treatment options
with you.
YOUR PROSTATE
 Just
below your bladder in front of your rectum is a small reproductive gland
called the prostate. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries
urine from your bladder. The prostate produces most of your semen, the
fluid that carries sperm through the ducts (tubes). During orgasm, this
prostate fluid is squeezed through the ducts, into the urethra, and out
through the penis.
 Why
Problems Can Develop
For a variety of reasons ranging from stress to bacterial infection, prostatic
ducts may become inflamed, irritated, or blocked. That's when prostatitis
may develop. Some medical conditions or procedures (such as strokes or
catherterization) may also cause urinary retention and lead to prostatitis.
PROSTATE HEALTH
FOR LIFE
As you age, you become
more susceptible to prostate problems, including cancer. Regular prostate
checkups help ensure that any problems can be treated early. The American
Cancer Society recommends yearly digital rectal exams for men over age
40 and yearly PSA blood tests for men over age 50.
 A
Note to You and Your Partner
Since prostatitis is not contagious, there's no reason to avoid sex. In
fact, sexual intercourse may help the prostate function better by clearing
out the prostatic ducts. To better understand prostatitis symptoms and
treatment, both you and your partner might want to read this brochure.
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