Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small walnut-size gland found only in men. It is located right beneath the bladder and is responsible for the production of seminal fluid (the fluid that nourishes and transports semen).

There are majorly four types of prostatitis:

Chronic bacterial prostatitis – Chronic prostatitis is the most common bacterial prostatitis. In this condition, a patient experiences waves of symptoms that come and go for several months.

Acute bacterial prostatitis – Acute prostatitis is a bacterial infection that happens suddenly. It’s very uncommon but it can pose an immediate threat to a patient’s life.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome – In this condition, prostate inflammation is not caused by bacteria. However, the exact cause has also not been identified yet.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis – This condition does not lead to any bothersome symptoms and most often does not also require urgent medical treatment.

Prostatitis is majorly a bacterial infection. It occurs when small strains of bacteria in the urine, somehow, leak into the prostate gland. In acute prostatitis, the bacteria enters the prostate gland very suddenly causing severe symptoms and an urgent need for medical care. While in chronic prostatitis, bacteria gets trapped in the prostate gland causing repeated problems. 

However, some types of prostatitis can also be caused due to non-bacterial reasons. 

Infection of the prostate gland prostatitis can affect any man, however, it is more commonly found in men older than 50 years of age. Your risk for being affected by prostatitis increase if:

• You have had prostatitis previously 
• You have a bladder infection 
• You have pelvic injury or trauma 
• You have HIV/AIDS
• You had a prostate biopsy 

Prostatitis is usually diagnosed after a patient presents with troubling symptoms. Your urologist may perform the following exams and investigations to evaluate your condition. Some common tests include:

Physical checkup – Your urologist will discuss your medical history, take note of your present symptoms and examine your overall health. 

Digital rectal exam – A digital rectal exam is a manual test done to check whether the state of your prostate gland. Your urologist will insert a gloved finger in your rectum to see if the prostate gland is swollen or tender. 

Urine tests – A sample of your urine will be checked and analysed for signs of infections. You may also be asked to take other urinary tests that measure the flow of your urine. 

Your urologist may order some additional tests that include blood tests, cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, X-rays and CT scans if he suspects the need for them.

Prostatitis infection treatment depends upon various factors such as the type of prostatitis, extremity of symptoms, age and overall health. Your urologist will offer a personalised treatment plan to help manage your condition completely. 

Prostate inflammation treatment usually involves a medicinal approach. Your urologist will prescribe certain medicines to ease the symptoms and treat the infection.