Prostatitis

Problems with urination and ejaculation can sometimes have the same underlying cause. It’s important to see a board-certified urologist for prompt diagnosis and treatment if you experience symptoms of prostatitis.

What is Prostatitis?

The prostate is the gland located next to the bladder in men. It’s about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra where it comes out of the bladder. The prostate is responsible for producing semen to transport sperm cells during ejaculation.

Prostatitis is a condition that impacts the prostate, causing it to become inflamed. Prostatitis comes in a few different forms, including:

• Chronic bacterial prostatitis (a recurring bacterial infection of the prostate)
• Acute bacterial prostatitis (a sudden bacterial infection of the prostate)
• Chronic prostatitis (a type of chronic pelvic pain syndrome with no sign of infection)
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (inflammation with no symptoms)

Prostatitis can sometimes be indicative of more serious conditions like prostate cancer. However, this isn’t always the case – your urologist can perform the right tests to determine the causes.

Prostatitis is a common type of inflammation of the prostate gland that affects men of all ages. It is estimated that up to 50% of men will experience prostatitis at some point in their lives. Prostatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, physical trauma, and even stress. The symptoms of prostatitis can vary depending on the type, but may include pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, and pain during ejaculation.

What are the Types of Prostatitis?

Acute bacterial prostatitis is the most common type of prostatitis and is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis include fever, chills, pain in the lower abdomen, and difficulty urinating. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a recurrent form of prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis include pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, and pain during ejaculation. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a form of prostatitis that is not caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms of CP/CPPS include pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, and pain during ejaculation. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is a form of prostatitis that does not cause any symptoms. It is typically diagnosed through a urine sample or a digital rectal exam. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

What is Chronic Prostatitis?

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a form of prostatitis that is not caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms of CP/CPPS include pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, and pain during ejaculation. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

How is Prostatitis Diagnosed?

Prostatitis can be diagnosed through a digital rectal exam, a urine sample from the bladder, and a blood test. Depending on the type of prostatitis, additional tests may be necessary to determine the cause. There are four main types of prostatitis: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.

What are the Symptoms of Prostatitis?

Because the prostate is located next to the bladder and urethra, one of the most common symptoms is difficulty urinating. It can also cause symptoms like:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Difficulty draining the bladder during urination
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pain in the stomach, perineum, groin, penis, testicles, or lower back
• Pain during ejaculation
• Flu-like symptoms

What are the Causes of Prostatitis?

One of the most common causes of prostatitis is bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the prostate through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Bacteria can also enter the prostate through the bloodstream, which can occur during sexual activity or when bacteria from another part of the body, such as the bladder, travels to the prostate.

Injury to the prostate or urethra can also cause prostatitis. This can occur during certain medical procedures, such as a biopsy or a cystoscopy.

Stress and anxiety can also increase a man’s risk of developing prostatitis. Stress can cause the muscles in the pelvic area to become tense, which can lead to inflammation of the prostate.

Prostatitis Outlook

Prostatitis can generally be easily treated with the right regimen of medications. However, if your prostatitis is recurring or doesn’t respond to first-line treatment, it’s important to meet with your urologist as soon as possible. Prostatitis can become serious if not treated or if the underlying causes aren’t addressed.

Prostatitis can be a difficult condition to diagnose and treat, but with the right treatment, it can be managed. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of prostatitis, it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Schedule an Appointment in Los Angeles

Prostatitis can be easily treatable with the right approach by your board-certified urologist. To meet with Dr. Houman and get relief, contact our office by calling (310) 854-7822 or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

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