Understanding Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition where your prostate becomes swollen, tender, and inflamed. It is not cancer and is very different from an enlarged prostate.
At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, we have expert urologists and prostate specialists who can help with any prostate health issues. You can reach us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.
The prostate is a gland found only in men, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is responsible for producing fluid that contains sperm, which protects sperm as they travel toward the woman’s egg during intercourse.
Types and Causes
There are four types of prostatitis, each with its own set of symptoms and causes.
- Acute bacterial prostatitis (Category 1) – A urinary tract infection (UTI) causes an infection in the prostate gland, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, trouble urinating, and painful, frequent urination. This condition requires immediate medical attention and is usually caused by a common strain of bacteria that spreads from other parts of the urinary tract or reproductive system.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis (Category 2) – Bacteria become trapped in the prostate gland, causing recurrent UTIs that can be difficult to treat. This condition generally has the same causes as acute bacterial prostatitis.
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) (Category 3) – This is the most common type of prostatitis. Inflammation in the prostate gland affects about 1 in 3 men and causes chronic pain in the pelvis, perineum, and male genitalia.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (Category 4) – This condition causes inflammation in the prostate gland without symptoms and is often discovered during tests for other issues, such as a fertility test.
Symptoms
Several conditions can contribute to symptoms associated with prostatitis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to start the correct treatment plan. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention:
- Inability to pass urine
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination with fever
- Extreme discomfort or pain in the pelvic area or genitals
Treatments
Treatment for prostatitis varies depending on its cause and type. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis typically doesn’t require treatment. However, for bacterial prostatitis (acute and chronic), antibiotics are used. Treating chronic prostatitis can take several months.
Immediate treatment for a UTI can help prevent infection from spreading to the prostate. Seeing a doctor promptly after experiencing symptoms can help prevent prostatitis from developing into a more serious condition.
If you are experiencing pain, talk to your medical provider about pain medication. For managing psychological symptoms associated with chronic pain, such as stress, depression, or anxiety, a mental health professional can offer support.
Home Remedies
To ease symptoms of prostatitis, you can try the following home remedies:
- Soak in a warm bath or use a heating pad.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake and avoid spicy and acidic foods to prevent bladder irritation.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria from the bladder.
If you have symptoms of prostatitis, don’t hesitate to consult a urologist. Early evaluation can prevent complications and help you receive timely treatment. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists and prostate specialists in Brooklyn, NY, will work with you to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call 1-718-367-2555. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.