Introduction
Prostatitis refers to conditions that cause infection or inflammation in the prostate, a small gland in men located directly beneath the bladder. Prostatitis can be caused by either a bacterial or nonbacterial infection. Prostatitis can be classified into the following types:
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Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
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CP or CPPS (chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain syndrome) with inflammatory CPPS.
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CP or CPPS (chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain syndrome) with noninflammatory CPPS.
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Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis.
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Acute bacterial prostatitis.
Other types of prostatitis, on the other hand, can cause swelling and frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Therefore, before a doctor can diagnose chronic bacterial prostatitis, they must first rule out other types.
What Are the Types of Prostatitis?
The types of prostatitis include
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Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: A urinary tract infection (UTI) causes an infection in the prostate gland. Fever and chills are common symptoms. Also, painful and frequent urination or difficulty urinating. Acute bacterial prostatitis necessitates immediate medical attention.
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Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Bacteria get trapped in the prostate gland, causing recurrent and difficult to treat UTIs.
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Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): The most common type of prostatitis is CPPS. Prostate gland inflammation affects one out of every three men. It causes chronic pain in the pelvis, perineum (the area between the scrotum and the rectum), and genitals.
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Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis: This condition causes inflammation of the prostate gland but no symptoms. This type does not require treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
Bacterial infections of the prostate can be excruciatingly painful. The symptoms appear gradually and last for three months or longer. If one experiences any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:
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Blood in urine or sperm.
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Urine that stinks.
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Urination causes pain or burning.
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Ejaculation causes pain.
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Bowel movement discomfort.
Pain in the following areas:
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Lower back.
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Genitalia and anus.
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Pubic bone.
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Testicles.
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Lower stomach.
What Are the Causes of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
Bacteria, most often Escherichia coli or other gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae enter the prostate through the urethra, causing chronic bacterial prostatitis. The urethra drains urine from the body. A bacterial infection causes a bladder infection or a contaminated urinary catheter inserted into the bladder. Some bacterial infections are responsible for the formation of prostate stones that do not pass through the urine. Prostate stones are the same size as a poppy seed and are not always visible during a physical exam. Infected prostate stones are responsible for causing recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), making it difficult to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis. The causes of chronic bacterial prostatitis are frequently unknown and vary depending on the individual case. Possible causes include
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Abnormal nerve or muscle function.
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A blockage in the flow of urine.
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Microorganisms like chlamydia.
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An immune system attacks the prostate.
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Irritation in the prostate is caused by uric acid, a urine compound.
How Is Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Diagnosed?
The symptoms will be evaluated, and the healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. Less invasive prostatitis tests may include:
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Digital Rectal Exam: The provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check the prostate gland for swelling and pain. This examination may include prostate massage to obtain a sample of seminal fluid.
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Urinalysis and Urine Culture: They screen for bacteria and UTIs.
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Blood Test: PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a protein produced by the prostate gland, is measured in a blood test. Elevated levels may indicate prostatitis, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or prostate cancer.
More invasive procedures include:
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Cystoscopy: While a cystoscopy can detect other urinary tract problems, it cannot diagnose prostatitis. To view inside the bladder and urethra, the provider will use a cystoscope which is a pencil-sized lighted tube with a camera or viewing lens on the end).
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Transrectal Ultrasound: Men with chronic and acute bacterial prostatitis who do not improve with antibiotics may benefit from a transrectal ultrasound. A thin ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum generates images of the prostate gland by using sound waves. This test can detect abnormalities in the prostate gland, abscesses, or stones.
What Is the Treatment for Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
The type of infection one has will determine the treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis. The first line of treatment is generally a long course of Fluoroquinolones, an antibiotic. Antibiotics may be prescribed for four to twelve weeks. Antibiotic treatment cures approximately 75 percent of chronic bacterial prostatitis cases. The cause of chronic bacterial prostatitis is unknown in the majority of cases. Pain is commonly treated with muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-anxiety medications. Alpha-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Tamsulosin are also commonly used treatments. NSAIDs reduce inflammation, and alpha-blockers alleviate certain urinary symptoms. Prostatic massage can help drain the fluid that is causing the inflammation in some cases. Hot baths and heat therapies like a heating pad can also help relieve pain. The doctor may advise avoiding spicy foods and acidic beverages because they can aggravate the symptoms.
What Are the Complications of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
Sepsis can develop in men with acute bacterial prostatitis. This widespread inflammation has the potential to be fatal. It necessitates immediate medical attention. Antibiotics can cause an upset stomach. Men who have chronic bacterial prostatitis may require many antibiotics to treat recurring infections. Antibiotic resistance develops in some people, making the treatment ineffective. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis can reduce sperm count and thus affect fertility.
Conclusion
Antibiotic treatment can ease chronic bacterial prostatitis symptoms by 30 percent to 60 percent of men. In addition, 80 percent of men feel better after receiving treatment for chronic pelvic pain. Treatment is determined by the cause and symptoms, but antibiotics are frequently prescribed by doctors. Kegel exercises and certain home and alternative remedies may also provide symptom relief for some people.
