Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland caused by infection or a variety of other factors.Prostatitis is a common but underreported problem, and many men may suffer in silence without recognising they need to be evaluated – studies show that between 10% and 25% of all men may get prostatitis at some point in their lives.
Prostatitis is a term for a group of illnesses that affect men and cause inflammation of the prostate gland or surrounding structures, resulting in pelvic pain and a variety of urinary symptoms.
The condition can be further categorized into:
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Acute prostatitis
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Chronic bacterial prostatitis
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Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis
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Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
Prostatitis is quite prevalent, affecting 2-10% of men at any given moment. The vast majority of these instances will be classified as chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, commonly known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which accounts for around 95% of all prostatitis diagnoses.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is caused by prostate inflammation or inflammation of the pelvic organs and tissues.
The Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located underneath a man's bladder that produces fluid that protects and feeds sperm.
Prostatitis is a group of conditions marked by inflammation or infection of the prostate and its surroundings. It can strike men of any age group. Prostatitis affects 25% of men at some point during their lives.
What causes prostatitis?
Sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/STDs) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and other organisms such as Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma bacteria are some of the infectious causes of prostatitis.
Non-STI bacteria can also cause infections; they are more common in older men with BPH, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease, where bacteria can translocate through the colon wall to the prostate tissues. After instrumentation, whether through the urethra (cystoscopy) or the colon (colonoscopy), bacterial translocation can happen.
Other, less well-known factors can result in persistent or repeated symptoms. These illnesses are complicated, and diagnosing and treating them can be difficult.
Acute bacterial prostatitis
A bacterial infection of the prostate causes this condition. Bacteria can potentially move from your bladder, intestines, or bloodstream to your prostate. Symptoms can appear suddenly, and this condition is potentially life-threatening, necessitating hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotic treatments. Fever and soreness in the thighs, lower back, and pelvic region are common symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis.They may also have a burning sensation when urinating or be unable to urinate at all. A urinary infection, a biopsy, or the use of a catheter can all contribute to this disease.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
This is a bacteria-caused infection that can persist up to three months. Recurrent urinary tract infections, burning sensation during urination, and new onset sexual dysfunction without other aetiology are all common presentations. When germs stay in the prostatic region after a bacterial infection, chronic bacterial prostatitis can develop.
Men who have had a bladder infection or urethral irritation in the past are more likely to acquire this type of prostatitis.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, mycoplasma, or ureaplasma (bacteria spread through sexual contact), especially if they are left untreated for quite some time. A chemical or immunological reaction to an initial injury or infection can also cause chronic prostatitis.
Sexually transmitted infections that cause prostatitis can also be transferred during unprotected intercourse. It's crucial to remember that though prostatitis isn't communicable, STIs are.
What are the symptoms of chronic prostatitis?
Men with chronic prostate infection may have discomfort in the perineum, testicles, penis, and lower back, as well as pain during passing the urine or after ejaculation, as well as urinary frequency or urgency.
Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation are other possible complications of chronic prostatitis.
These symptoms can come and go, lasting weeks to months at a time. Symptoms can be induced by sexual activity, stressful periods, and even changes in weather or diet. Many men can go months without receiving the proper diagnosis or therapy because of these symptoms.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
This is the most common type of prostatitis. Pelvic pain is the most common symptom, although other symptoms include painful urination and ejaculations, blood in the sperm, and a heavy feeling behind the scrotum. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is not caused by a bacterial infection, despite the fact that the origins are unknown.
This type of prostatitis is more prevalent among young men and can last for months at a time. When it comes to developing non-bacterial forms of prostatitis, stress, inflammation, pelvic traumas, and previous infections may all play a role.
What are the treatment options for prostatitis?
Antibiotics
The most usually prescribed treatment for prostatitis is antibiotics. The prescription will be chosen by your doctor based on the microorganisms that may be causing your infection.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Oral antibiotics will most likely be needed for four to six weeks, but chronic or recurring prostatitis may require extended treatment.
Alpha-blockers
These drugs work by relaxing the bladder neck and the muscular fibres that connect your prostate to your bladder. This treatment could help with symptoms including painful urination and ejaculation.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Pain is one the symptoms that patient with prostatitis may experience. Thus, pain reliever is given through nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Electroshockwave therapy (ESWT)
Electroshockwave therapy (ESWT) can help manage or treat symptoms associated with chronic prostatitis.
Neuropathic pain relief medication
In certain circumstances, the pain or discomfort caused by prostatitis is caused by nerves; in these circumstances, drugs like gabapentin may be useful in lowering the pain or discomfort.
Prostatitis is a painful condition. It might cause feelings of hopelessness and depression. Prostatitis can also reduce sex drive by making it difficult to enjoy sexual activities due to the pain.