What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is a condition affecting the prostate gland that’s associated with swelling and inflammation. Your prostate gland produces seminal fluid to nourish your sperm. This gland surrounds your urethra underneath your bladder and in front of your rectum.
You can develop prostatitis for a variety of reasons. This condition can come on slowly or quickly, last a short period of time, or become a chronic problem.
What causes prostatitis?
Prostatitis has several causes, including nerve damage to the lower urinary tract and bacterial infections in your prostate. Numerous factors can increase your chances of having prostatitis, including:
- Infections of your urethra or bladder
- Pelvic trauma
- Having a urinary catheter or a prostate biopsy
- Certain conditions like HIV/AIDS
- A history of prostatitis
- Being under 50 years of age
For many cases of prostatitis, the exact cause isn’t known.
What are the symptoms of prostatitis?
Prostatitis symptoms can vary depending on its cause, but often include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night
- Pain or burning with urination or ejaculation
- Discolored urine or signs of blood in the urine
- Pain or discomfort in your testicles, penis, or area between your scrotum and rectum
- Pain in your groin, abdomen, or lower back
- Flu-like symptoms
Without treatment, some types of prostatitis can worsen and cause other health complications, including semen abnormalities and infertility.
How is prostatitis diagnosed and treated?
The experienced team at Valley Urology Center diagnoses prostatitis through a comprehensive physical exam and by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. Based on their initial findings, they might also recommend additional screenings, including:
- Urine test to check for signs of infection
- Blood tests to look for infection and prostate problems
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) to evaluate your prostate gland for abnormalities
- Post-prostatic massage to assess your prostate gland secretions
- Digital imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds to check for irregularities
Based on your diagnosis, your urologist develops a treatment plan for your specific condition. These therapies might include antibiotics to manage infections, medications to ease pain and discomfort, and anti-inflammatories to reduce prostate inflammation.
In addition to medical treatment, your urologist might also suggest lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms. These methods usually involve avoiding certain activities, foods, and beverages that irritate your prostate.
To find relief for prostatitis symptoms, call Valley Urology Center or schedule an appointment online today.
