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Prostatitis - A Simple Definition

Being diagnosed with Prostatitis usually sends a person running to the internet to try and further understand the often confusing news the Doctor gave them. And that usually means more confusion than clarification. What with the medical terminologies, the general patient ignorance when it comes to knowing much about that "area" of the body, often due to it having been treated as a somewhat "taboo" subject in the education process, getting a "grip" or a definition is a lot harder than it should be.

Medical science divides Prostatitis into two main areas of definition :

• That caused by bacteria, and referred to as bacterial prostatitis, resulting from an infection. Some doctors believe that bacterial infections are responsible for over 90% of Prostatitis cases, and confusingly, some say the opposite.
• That, where no evidence of bacteria can be found. Where infection-fighting cells are found, the condition is labeled as "non-bacterial prostatitis" and may well have originated from an infection which can no longer be isolated. In the case of the absence of bacteria as well as infection-fighting cells, the condition is called Prostatodynia.
• Next, the patient needs to understand that Prostatitis is usually caused by an inflamed prostate. An infection may have spread further to nearby areas like the seminal vesicles, epididymis etc. Isolating the infection in order to determine exactly what it is may range from being easy to almost impossible. Depending on the type of tests and how the test material has been extracted and processed in a laboratory may reveal important data, or nothing at all.
• Where no causative pathogens can be isolated, treatment becomes a matter of these (blind) options: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, pain killers, warm baths.
• Additionally, the term "Prostatitis" may often be described as acute or chronic. "Acute" means a (serious) attack on the body, and this usually requires prompt treatment. "Chronic" means debilitating repeat "flareups" over the long term.

A long-term chronic Prostatitis sufferer is not beyond hope. Repeated courses of oral antibiotics may well make it more difficult to be cured. Repeated failed consultations and treatment programs with mainstream Western medicine is not the end of the road. There are treatment centers for Prostatitis which are pushing the boundaries, often with practical and sensible solutions, which give real hope of a full cure to the prostatitis patient.

Prostatitis

The prostrate gland is an important organ in a man’s body which produces semen, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Its inflammation is called prostatitis with numerous symptoms including frequent urination and pain or burning while urinating.

There are different forms of prostatitis where the least common type is the most acute where hospitalization may be required. Prostatitis cannot be generally cured; however relief can be brought to its various symptoms. In acute bacterial prostatitis, one develops fever and chills suddenly, and develops painful ejaculation with urinary problems.

In chronic bacterial prostatitis, its symptoms develop slowly and are not as severe as acute prostatitis. Excessive urination at night, frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, pain in the lower back and painful ejaculation are some of its prominent symptoms. The most common form of prostatitis is chronic nonbacterial prostates where it has similar symptoms to chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, tests done here don’t detect any bacteria in the urine or fluid in the prostate gland. There may also be pus cells present at times.

Bacteria are usually the cause for acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, in chronic nonbacterial prostates, there are several theories to possible triggers for it. These conditions are lifting heavy objects on a full bladder, regular jogging or biking, occupations where the prostate is subjected to strong vibrations like driving a truck and the operation of heavy machinery and spasms of the pelvic muscle.

Prostatitis usually occurs in old men; but can be developed in young men who have had a bladder infection, used a urinary catheter, certain jobs, jogging or bicycling and stopping and starting when urinating. Prostatitis is diagnosed by first eliminating other possible conditions with similar symptoms and determining the type of prostatitis you may have. This is done with a medical history and physical exam with a digital rectal exam. Sometimes, the doctor may also test urine and semen samples for bacteria and white blood cells.

The treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis you have and generally includes antibiotics for infections, alpha blockers to relax the bladder neck, pain relievers for pain relief and muscle relaxants to cure spasms. With the help of physical therapy like exercise and biofeedback, tight muscles are relaxed. Sitz baths are also effective as these warm baths relieve pain while relaxing lower abdominal muscles.

Surgery may be resorted to if antibiotics don’t help open blocked ducts or if fertility is affected. However, surgery is not used for treating nonbacterial prostatitis. Sometimes, changes in lifestyles also help control prostatitis. This includes limiting of alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine, regular sex, drinking lots of water and urinating regularly. If cycling, it is better to use a ‘split’ seat as the pressure on the prostate is reduced. These changes bring considerable relief to those suffering from prostatitis.