PROSTATITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Inflammation or infection of the prostate (the gland surrounding the neck of the bladder and urethra). Prostatitis is not contagious. It may rarely accompany cancer of the prostate.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Prostate gland.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Male adolescents and adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Urgency to urinate.
• Burning with urination.
• Frequent urination; waking to urinate at night.
• Difficulty starting urination and emptying the bladder completely.
• Fever; chills.
• Pain between the scrotum and anus.
• Joint and muscle aches.
• Blood in the urine (sometimes) or semen.
• Low back pain.
• Pain with a doctor's rectal examination.

CAUSES

• Bacterial infection, usually from gram-negative germs such as those found in feces. These may reach the prostate through the bloodstream, the lymphatic system or directly from the urethra.
• The cause of nonbacterial infections is unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Recent urinary-tract infection.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.

HOW TO PREVENT--Men who have never had prostatitis are less likely to develop it if they are sexually active. Men who have prostatitis at least once may decrease the likelihood of recurrence by increasing sexual activity.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as urinalysis and culture of secretions obtained at the time of the doctor's prostate exam.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment. Treatment usually involves medications, rest and adequate fluid intake.
• Hospitalization for 3 to 4 days in serious cases if blood poisoning is suspected.
• Surgery to drain an abscess of the prostate (rare).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--

If untreated, may lead to:

• Blood poisoning.
• Chronic bacterial or non-bacterial prostate infections. These have similar symptoms, but they are more likely to recur and respond less readily to treatment.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with treatment, but recurrence is common.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Sit in a tub with 6 or 8 inches of warm water (106F or 41.1C) for 15 minutes at least 3 times a day. Use a whirlpool bath, if possible.
• Reduce stress in your life (see How to Cope with Stress in Appendix).

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics to fight infection (usually for at least 30 days).
• Pain relievers.
• Stool softeners to avoid constipation.
• Drugs to reduce fever if needed.

ACTIVITY--Rest in bed until fever and pain subside. Then resume your normal activities gradually. The ability to be sexually active during acute prostatitis depends on the degree of disability.

DIET--No special diet, but don't drink alcohol, coffee or eat spicy foods, chocolate or tomato products. These irritate the urethra. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to ensure an adequate urine flow.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of prostatitis.
• Symptoms worsen or you have fever during treatment.
• Symptoms don't improve after 3 days of treatment.
• Symptoms recur after treatment.