Overview
Inflammation of the prostate gland, or prostatitis, is one of the most common urinary diseases in the United States, according to the Prostatitis Foundation. The prostate, a male reproductive organ, sits under the bladder, encircling the passageway that transports urine out of the body. The production of semen occurs primarily in the prostate.
Symptoms
Four primary symptoms result from swelling of the prostate gland. These four symptoms, according to the Prostatitis Foundation, are pain, difficulty with urination, sexual dysfunction and generalized health problems, including an overall feeling of depression and fatigue. The Mayo Clinic states that patients suffering from prostatitis due to a bacterial infection may complain of increased temperature, chills, nausea and vomiting.
Causes
According to the Prostatitis Foundation, bacterial infections, autoimmune responses and physical problems represent the primary causes of this disorder. Other likely causes include uric acid imbalances, stones in the prostate, stricture or narrowing of the urinary tube leading from the bladder, tumors, cancer, enlargement of the prostate, food allergies, yeast infections and viruses.
Complications
The cause or type of prostatitis will determine the possible complications. Mayo Clinic reports that problems from an acute bacterial infection may involve infection in the blood stream, inflamed passageway to one or both testicles, abscesses on the prostate gland and chronic or long term inflammation of the prostate. Chronic prostatitis suffers may experience infertility and semen problems, such as a low sperm count.
Diagnosis
According to Mayo Clinic, a health-care provider must rule out other possible disorders and determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. Patients' may need to fill out a standardized questionnaire called the chronic prostatitis symptom index. This document helps the provider understand the range of problems being experienced. Other diagnostic tests may include digital rectal exam, where the physician manually feels the prostate gland; urine and semen samples; cystoscopy, which is when the health care provider looks into the bladder by way of a camera attached to a flexible tube; and urodynamic tests that help identify problems with bladder performance.
Treatment
Prostatitis caused by bacteria will be treated with antibiotic therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prostatitis resulting in pelvic pain may need additional medications such as alfuzosin and doxazosin to relax the bladder and surrounding muscles, pain relievers, massage of the prostate or heat therapy. Self treatments to reduce discomfort include warm baths, decreasing intake of alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods, sitting on soft pillows and avoiding activities such as bicycling.
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