Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting in swelling or pain and can result in four significant symptoms: pain, urination problems, sexual dysfunction, and general health problems, such as feeling tired and depressed.

The prostate is the reproductive gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, wrapping around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This gland produces most of a male’s semen.

A physician will diagnose prostatitis by collecting a patient’s urine and thoroughly examining  his prostate gland.

The tests include a digital rectal examination, which involves inserting a well lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities of the gland. The physician also may collect a sample of prostate fluid so that it can be analyzed.  Some physicians also perform a prostate specific antigen test to measure the amount of this chemical in a person’s blood.  The presence of both prostatitis and prostate cancer can increase a patient’s PSA level.

As many as 50 percent of men in the United States will experience prostatitis during their lifetime.  Prostatitis is divided into three main categories, nonbacterial, acute, and chronic, and the most common type is nonbacterial prostatitis. Symptoms may include frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen or lower back area. Causes may be stress and irregular sexual activity.

Treatments for nonbacterial prostatitis may include anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants, taking hot baths, drinking extra fluids, learning to relax when urinating, and ejaculating frequently. Also recommended changes in one’s diet may also be suggested.

Acute bacterial prostatitis can be the result of bacteria, a virus, or a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms may include fever and chills, low back pain, frequent and painful urination, weak stream when urinating, and infrequent urination.

These type of infections are treated with antibiotics, bed rest, stool softener, and increased fluid intake.

Chronic prostatitis may be bacterial or the result of an inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms may include frequent bladder infections, frequent urination, and persistent pain in the lower abdomen or back.

This form of prostatitis often is treated with medications (often antibiotics), changes in the diet, biofeedback, and nonprescription supplements.

Screening is key to detecting prostatitis in its early stages and it involves looking for signs of the disease in people who have no symptoms, thus looking for early-stage disease at a point when treatment may be more effective.