Very painful, prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. It can be of bacterial origin or result from a sexually transmitted infection. The symptoms are similar to those of cystitis in women.
Definition: what is prostatitis?
Prostatitis correspond to inflammation of the prostate. It can be acute or chronic. Acute prostatitis is more often of bacterial origin, and constitutes a sexually transmitted infection. It can also be the result of a urinary infection. Chronic prostatitis is generally linked to poorly treated acute prostatitis. Prostatitis is the cause of pain, urinary burning and sometimes sexual problems. In the most serious cases, it can become complicated and cause infertility in men.
What are the symptoms of prostatitis?
Acute prostatitis causes:
- of the pain pelvic
- fever
- urinary problems with burns when urinating,
- urgent urge to urinate
- difficulty urinating
- sometimes tired
“Prostatitis causes the same symptoms as cystitis in women” notes the urologist.
What causes prostatitis?
The most common cause of acute prostatitis in men under 40 is sexually transmitted infection (gonococci and chlamydia). “Prostatitis can also be associated with testicular or urinary infections. Germs can sometimes infect the urethral and genital area. Not drinking enough waterespecially at advanced age is a risk factor for prostatitis” recalls Dr. Faix.
Is prostatitis serious?
Acute prostatitis can cause severe symptoms and a complication in the form of urinary retention (inability to urinate) leading to the placement of a suprapubic catheter. “As with any poorly treated infection, septic shock may occur, particularly in fragile patients (diabetes, immunocompromised). Prostatitis weakens the prostate and can leave after-effects of male infertility such as azoospermia“ warns the urologist.
First of all, the doctor will look for a history of urinary infections and sexually transmitted infections and then perform a physical examination. “If the prostate is painful to the touch, the doctor will continue with a urine test and spermogram to identify the presence of bacteria” indicates our expert.
Treatment of prostatitis consists of the administration “massive antibiotic therapy (penicillin) as quickly as possible for 10 to 20 days. Prescription of anti-inflammatories and analgesics relieve pain. In case of inflammation, alpha-blocking medications allow an improvement in urination problems“explains Dr. Faix.
What are the natural treatments for prostatitis?
Therapies against stress (example TRE method) give good results as well as hygienic and dietary measures which consist of removing products that irritate the prostate such as caffeine, alcohol or spices. Finally, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated helps prevent prostatitis.
Thanks to Dr Antoine Faix, urolgoue surgeon.