Prostatitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? The prostate gland is a male sex gland. Fluid made by the prostate mixes with sperm (from the testicles) to make semen. Prostatitis (pros-tah-TEYE-tis) is an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Men of any age can have prostatitis, and they may get it more than once. It may be an acute (short-term), or chronic (long-term) condition. Prostatitis is not contagious (not able to be spread) to a sexual partner. Medicine and certain therapies can be used to treat prostatitis.

Where is the prostate located? The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut. It is found in front of the rectum (area of the intestines that holds your bowel movements). The prostate wraps around the urethra and the neck of the bladder. The bladder is the hollow organ that holds urine. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the end of the penis.

What causes prostatitis? Prostatitis may be caused by an infection, inflammation (irritation and swelling) or by unknown causes. An infection of the prostate may be caused by a germ called bacteria, which travels to the prostate in the blood, urine, or semen. The bacteria may have traveled down from the kidney or up the urethra from the tip of your penis. The following put you at higher risk of getting prostatitis:

• You had a procedure in which a tube or instrument was put into your urethra.
  
  
• You have a larger than normal prostate gland.
  
  
• You have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as chlamydia.
  
  
• You have had a recent bladder infection or you have bladder infections often.

What are the symptoms of prostatitis? You may have no symptoms, or you may have one or more of the following:

• Pain:
  
  
  • Deep pain in the area between your scrotum (sack of skin behind the penis) and anus.
    
    
  • Lower back pain.
    
    
  • Pain having a bowel movement.
    
    
  • Pain during or right after having sexual intercourse.
  
  
• Problems urinating:
  
  
  • Feeling burning when you urinate.
    
    
  • Feeling like you have not passed all of your urine.
    
    
  • Feeling as if you need to urinate again right after you have just urinated.
    
    
  • Trouble starting to urinate.
    
    
  • Needing to urinate right away.
    
    
  • Urinating small amounts, often.
  
  
• Other signs and symptoms:
  
  
  • Fever, chills and fatigue (very tired).
    
    
  • Urine or semen that is pink or red.

How is prostatitis diagnosed? A urine sample and fluid sample from your prostate gland may be taken, and sent to the lab for tests. Your caregiver will need to rub the prostate gland to get the fluid sample. Your caregiver may also need a semen sample.

How is prostatitis treated? Treatment of your prostatitis will depend on the cause of your prostatitis, your signs and symptoms, and other factors. Prostatitis may be treated with the following:

• Prostate massage: Massage (rubbing) of the prostate may help decrease fullness and prevent infection.
  
  
• Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a way to control how your body reacts to stress, pain or other things. Electrodes (wires) are used to monitor your body responses.
  
  
• Bladder training: This program includes reflexive elimination (teaching your body to urinate at specific times each day) and other methods to empty your bladder.
  
  
• Heat therapy: Putting a heat source, such as a heating pad on the prostate area may help blood flow to that area.
  
  
• Medicines:
  
  
  • Alpha blockers: This medicine relaxes the muscles in your prostate and bladder (organ that holds your urine). It may help you to urinate more easily.
    
    
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
    
    
  • Pain medicine: This medicine may help decrease or take away your pain, fever, and inflammation.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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