Prostatitis is a swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra in men. It secretes prostate fluid, one of the main components of semen.
Prostatitis can develop in men of all ages, but more commonly affects men between the ages of 30 and 50. There are 2 main types:
chronic prostatitis: most common, not usually infection-related, symptoms come and go over several months
acute prostatitis: rare, symptoms come on suddenly and require immediate treatment, usually caused by an infection
What are the Symptoms of Prostatitis?
Symptoms differ depending on whether the prostatitis is acute or chronic.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis may include:
Pain around the penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back. May be severe
Pain when defecating (passing poo)
Pain when urinating (peeing), frequent urination (especially at night, urgent urination, problems starting or "stop-start" peeing, or blood in the urine
Complete inability to urinate (this is a medical emergency)
Feeling unwell, with aches, pains and possibly a fever
Thick discharge from the penis
Symptoms of chronic prostatitis generally last for at least 3 months and may include:
Pain around the penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back. May be severe
Pain when urinating (peeing), frequent urination (especially at night, urgent urination, problems starting or "stop-start" peeing, or blood in the urine
An enlarged or tender prostate on rectal examination, although in some cases it may be normal
Erectile dysfunction, pain when ejaculating or pelvic pain after sex.
How is Prostatitis Treated?
See your doctor straight away if develop sudden and severe symptoms of prostatitis. Acute prostatitis is usually treated with painkillers and a two to four-week course of antibiotics. Hospital treatment may be necessary if you are unable to pass urine.
If you have symptoms of chronic prostatitis, you may be referred to a urologist who specializes in genitourinary problems and management. Treatment may include:
Painkillers
Alpha-blockers – these help relax the muscles in the prostate gland and at the base of the bladder
Antibiotics.
Drugs used to treat Prostatitis
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
