Prostatitis

• Prostatitis
• Symptoms 
• Diagnosis
• Treatments

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​Prostatitis is an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. It may or may not be associated with a bacterial infection. Prostatitis can affect men of all ages, and can cause symptoms that are very distressing, painful or inconvenient for the patient. Symptoms may last a long time, and can ever recur after complete treatment; hence it can be a frustrating illness to live with. There is no correlation between prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Symptoms:

• Burning during urination
• Inability to empty the bladder
• Lower back, abdominal or groin pain
• Painful ejaculation
• Bladder or rectal pressure
• Blood in ejaculate
• Urinary spraying
• Fever 

Diagnosis:
Any or all of these test may be useful

• Urinalysis: evaluation of the urine under the microscope
• Urine culture: to see if bacteria are actually present in the urine
• Semen culture: to see if bacteria are actually present in the prostate secretions
• Ultrasound: to assess the urinary system
• Cystoscopy: look inside the prostate and bladder to assess for blockage

Treatments:

• Antibiotics: Complete eradication of prostate bacteria may take weeks, and your infection may even recur after a prolonged period of relief. This is the natural history of the condition and does not represent a treatment failure; instead treatment is focused more on management of symptoms in a long-term setting rather than unrealistic expectations of a cure.
• Alpha blockers: These medications help you to urinate more freely.
•  Pain relievers: These are prescribed to help to alleviate discomfort when urinating.
• Dietary changes:  Discontinue caffeinated, spicy and acidic foods and beverages.