Page 2 - Prostatitis

Prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis chronic bacterial prostatitis. These symptoms may
be intermittent. Many may have already been
Low grade infection and inflammation involving the treated with a long course of antibiotics without full
prostate can persist for longer periods of time and resolution of their symptoms. These symptoms can
become chronic. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a low be very frustrating to men who have lived with these
grade infection with inflammation that can cause symptoms for months or even years. This is not a sign of
pelvic pain, and urinary and sexual symptoms. It can anything ominous like prostate cancer. Urine tests and
be associated with recurrent urinary tract infections. prostate massage tests do not show signs of bacteria,
Prostatitis does not increase your risk of prostate but may show inflammation. The symptoms may be
cancer. due to spasms and inflammation of the pelvic muscles
around the inflamed prostate.

Investigations
Treatment
Urine tests may be sent for bacterial culture to ensure
that this is not a bladder infection. Sometimes your In the absence of proven infection, prolonged or
doctor will do a special urine test after a rigorous repeated courses of antibiotics are seldom helpful.
prostate exam. Prostate massage” can help expel Treatment may include anti-inflammatories and pain
prostate secretions into the urethra (tube through killers when the discomfort presents. Medications
which you pass urine). After the prostate massage, to relax the prostate muscles can help with urinary
urinating will transport the prostate fluid with the urine symptoms in some men. Physiotherapy for the pelvic
sample. This sample can be examined for bacterial as muscles can also be helpful. Occasionally your
well as for signs of inflammation. doctor will recommend repeated prostate massage
to help expel the inflammation and help with the
muscle spasms around the prostate. Ejaculation can
Treatment sometimes help with the discomfort, while others may

The treatment of chronic bacteria is six to twelve experience exacerbation of their symptoms. It is best
weeks of specific types of antibiotics. Only certain for you to determine how ejaculation affects your
antibiotics are able to penetrate into the prostate. symptoms. A change in diet (avoiding spicy food,
Unfortunately you need to be on antibiotics for a long acidic food/drink, and or alcohol), exercise, local
period of time to allow them to get to the prostate. heat therapy (hot water bottle or heating pad) or use
Even with treatment, it can take even longer for the of a “donut” cushion may be helpful in controlling
symptoms to resolve. Symptoms tend to improve even symptoms.
after finishing the full course of antibiotics.
Although the symptoms can be very frustrating and
inconvenient, the symptoms are rarely a sign of a
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome dangerous health problem. Over time, the symptoms
tend to decrease in both intensity and frequency. The
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is NOT symptoms can resolve completely, but often this can
caused by bacteria. This is chronic inflammation of take years. Speak to your physician about other ways
the prostate that can cause similar symptoms to to help you cope with your symptoms.

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