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Chronic Prostatitis/Prostatodynia
- Inflammation of the prostate gland
- When symptoms start gradually and linger for more than 2 wks
- Affects adult men of all ages and from all backgrounds
- About 5% of men experience symptoms of chronic prostatitis at some point in their lives
- Types:
- Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): Inflammation of the prostate and an irritation of the nerves which supply this area
- No bacteria are found in a urine sample
- Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Uncommon
- Tends to come and go over a long period of time
- Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Uncommon
- Bacteria is present in the urine
- Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis: No evidence of prostate infection or inflammation is found
- Could potentially be a result of abnormal buildup of pressure in the urinary tract
- Most often, the nerves and muscles in the pelvis cause pain because of a local inflammation that effects the nerves in the area
- Less commonly, bacterial infection (if it’s a bacterial type of prostatitis) when infected urine flows backwards from the urethra
- Nonbacterial prostatitis may be linked to stress, nerve inflammation/irritation, injuries or prior urinary tract infections
- Can be a reaction to an infection/past injury
- Frequent/urgent need to urinate
- Burning during/after urination
- Difficulty starting the urine stream
- Dribbling after urination is complete
- A sensation that the bladder cannot be fully emptied
- Pain felt above the penis, in/below the scrotum or in the back/rectum
- Pain experienced during or after orgasm
- Chills & fever (Bacterial prostatitis only)
- Medical history to address
- Symptoms
- Current health issues
- Over-the-counter and prescription drugs being taken
- Diet and liquid consumption
- Sexual history
- Physical exam: Your doctor will examine your prostate gland by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum
- In chronic prostatitis, the gland may be swollen or firm or it may feel normal
- Urine Sample: Prior to and post exam to check for white blood cells and bacteria
- Oral Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants for pain and muscle spasms
- Alpha-blocker medications to relax the muscles that control the bladder and relieve symptoms of urgency, hesitancy or dribbling
- Antibiotics (for chronic and acute bacterial prostatitis)
- Heat application: Baths, heating pads and hot water bottles
- Acupuncture: The insertion of very fine needles to alleviate pain in strategic points
- Biofeedback: Designed to ease pressure and reduce pelvic floor tension
- Diet Modification: Cutting out caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages and spicy/acidic foods may reduce irritation of the bladder and prostate
