Prostate Health » chronic prostatitis without infection

Prostatitis – Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:13:43 +0000

Although any man can develop prostatitis at any age, there are some conditions that put a man at greater risk for developing this condition.

Learn more about these conditions that may put a man at greater risk.

Recent bladder, urinary tract, or other infection elsewhere in the body

Injury or trauma to the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus)

Abnormal urinary tract

Enlarged prostate

Rectal intercourse

Recent procedure involving the insertion of a urinary catheter or cystoscope

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

The following are the most common, general symptoms of prostatitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: urinary frequency and/or urgency, burning or stinging sensation during urination, painful urination, reduced stream volume during urination, rectal pain and/or pressure, fever and chills (usually present with an acute infection only), lower back and/or pelvic pain, discharge through the urethra during bowel movements, sexual dysfunction and/or loss of libido (sex drive), throbbing sensations in the rectal and/or genital area

The symptoms of prostatitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

The most effective treatment for prostatitis depends heavily upon an accurate diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for prostatitis may include the following:

Urine culture, including triple-void urine specimen collection (Also called three-glass urine collection method.) – often used in collaboration with the prostate stripping procedure, the three-glass urine collection method involves collecting and evaluating the prostatic fluid and urine for the presence of white blood cells and bacteria.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.

Prostate stripping (Also called massaging.) is a procedure in which prostate fluid is collected for examination. This procedure is usually performed during a digital rectal examination (DRE) and involves the physician “stripping” the prostate gland to drain fluid into the urethra. This fluid is then examined under a microscope to detect the presence of inflammation and/or infection.

Cystoscopy (Also called cystourethroscopy) is an examination in which a scope, a flexible tube and viewing device, is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.

Once a diagnosis has been made your physician can go over all of the treatment options and together you can decide on the course of treatment that is right for you.

General Patient Oriented Information about Prostatitis

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:44:46 +0000

Being educated can make all the difference in treatment for prostatitis. You can be lost in all of the places information is available. Make sure the information is directed to you, the patient.

What do you know about prostatitis?

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

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

To diagnose prostatitis, a physician will collect a patient’s urine and thoroughly exam his prostate gland. To check the prostate gland, a physician will carry out 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 may want to carry out a prostate specific antigen test to measure the amount of this chemical in a person’s blood. Both prostatitis and prostate cancer can increase a patient’s PSA level.

Estimates on the number of males in the United States who will experience prostatitis during their lifetimes range up to 50 percent. Many urologic disease experts feel that from 5 to 10 percent of males will be experiencing prostatitis at a particular time, making it one of the most common urologic diseases in the U.S.

Over the years, prostatitis has been subdivided into a number of categories, but today commonly accepted variations of the disease include nonbacterial, acute, and chronic.

By far, the most common type of prostatitis 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.

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 infections often 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.

Prostatitis – A Correct Diagnosis

admin — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:05:41 +0000

Prostatitis isn’t a single condition but a group of disorders with related symptoms. Some forms of prostatitis are generally well understood. More common forms of prostatitis aren’t as well understood and are more difficult to diagnose and treat. Some medications help manage the symptoms, and new therapies are under investigation.

Learning general information can lead to a correct diagnosis.

The National Institutes of Health classification for prostatitis divides it into four categories, based on such factors as cause, typical course of the disease, immune system activity and symptoms. The four categories are:

Category 1: Acute bacterial prostatitis

Category 2: Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Category 3: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain

Category 4: Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

Common symptoms
Prostatitis symptoms vary depending on the type of prostatitis you have. In general, the symptoms are related to pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, problems with urination and problems with ejaculations. Signs and symptoms may include: pain or burning sensation when urinating; difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination; frequent urination, particularly at night Urgent need to urinate; pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back; pain in the area between the penis and rectum (perineum); pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles; painful ejaculations

Acute bacterial prostatitis
If you have acute bacterial prostatitis, you may have symptoms associated with the sudden onset of infection: high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis: The key feature of chronic bacterial prostatitis is frequent urinary tract infections. Between episodes of these infections, a person with chronic bacterial prostatitis may have no symptoms, mild symptoms or severe symptoms.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain: The condition is generally considered chronic if the symptoms last for at least three months. For some men, the symptoms remain about the same over time, and for others the symptoms go through cycles of being more and less severe. Symptoms sometimes improve over time without treatment.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: If you have asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, you have no symptoms. Inflammation of the prostate gland is found only by chance when you’re undergoing tests for other conditions.

When to see a doctor: The symptoms of prostatitis are similar to many other diseases affecting the urinary tract and the male sexual organs. Many of these can have serious consequences if left untreated, and they usually affect your everyday life and general well-being. If you experience any pelvic pain, difficult or painful urination, or painful ejaculations, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt, appropriate treatment. There are notable differences in symptoms of the four categories.

Prostatitis

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:13:16 +0000

There are basically four types of prostatitis. Males who experience prostatitis fall under one of these four types. Prostatitis can affect males of all ages and ethnic groups. It is treatable. Prostatitis can be associated with a bladder infection.

Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland, which is treatable.

Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate that is often caused by some of the same bacteria that cause bladder infections. While it may be acquired as a sexually transmitted disease, the infection can also spread to the prostate through the blood stream, directly from an adjacent organ, or as a complication of prostate biopsy.

Patients with acute bacterial prostatitis present with signs of an infection and may have fever, chills and shakes. It is common to have frequency of urination and at times painful urination.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an uncommon illness in which there is an ongoing bacterial infection in the prostate. Chronic bacterial prostatitis generally causes no symptoms, however, on occasion; the low grade infection may flare and be associated with a bladder infection. To rule out a bladder infection doctors will perform a urine test. The cause of chronic prostatitis without infection (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is not known. This is a frustrating condition for the patient and the health care practitioner since there is controversy as to the aggressiveness of testing, and exactly what tests should be done. Often, this is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that blood tests, urine tests, x-rays and ultrasounds tend to be normal, yet the patient continues to suffer.

Chronic prostatitis without infection, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a condition where there is recurrent pelvic, testicle, or rectal pain without evidence of bladder infection. There may be difficulties with painful urination or ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. The causes of chronic prostatitis without infection are not clearly understood.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is exactly as its name describes. There are no symptoms. The cause of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is not clearly understood.

A diagnosis for prostatitis is made through urinalysis. The diagnosis is made by finding an abnormal urinalysis. Sometimes, a urinalysis is collected after prostate examination. This may allow some prostatic fluid to be expressed into the urine and cultured.

As with any medical condition it’s important to get the opinion of your trusted medical professional. Early detection can lead to quicker treatment. Your doctor can answer questions you have. He or she can assist you with finding the best treatment option available. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare professional if your symptoms persist or return.

A General Overview of Prostatitis

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:02:07 +0000

Prostatitis describes a wide number of symptoms. Prostatitis can be as varied as the individuals who have it and can be a challenging condition to treat.

In a survey of the National Guard 39% were found to have experienced symptoms of prostatitis.

Patients with a previous episode of prostatitis were much more likely to experience subsequent episodes. In a nationwide review of data from outpatient physician visits, it was noted that 15 percent of men who saw a physician for genitourinary complaints were diagnosed with prostatitis. Every year, approximately 2 million physician visits include the diagnosis of prostatitis. Despite its widespread prevalence, prostatitis remains a poorly studied and little understood condition.

Prostatitis is not easily diagnosed or classified. Patients often present with varied and nonspecific symptoms. The physical examination is frequently not useful.

The two most commonly forms of treated prostatitis are acute and chronic bacterial.

Acute prostatitis can have rapid onset of symptoms. This usually responds very well to therapy. However, many physician treatments are only for 2 weeks and many treatment failures occur. Treatments are generally for 3-4 weeks or longer and can result in few recurrences. Patients respond well to most antibiotics primarily because the prostate is inflamed. Antibiotics that are usually used include: tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or a quinolone.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis can have an onset of symptoms that takes longer; weeks to months. Antibiotic treatment is limited by the lack of inflammation in the prostate. Many treatment failures occur and it is most likely due to lack of penetration of the antibiotic into the prostate. With treatment failures sometimes result in recurrent urinary tract infections. Long course antibiotics oftentimes are needed. The cure rate with antibiotics ranges from 33 to 71 percent depending of the study and the antibiotics used. Initially treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be considered for at least 3-4 weeks. Treatment failures can be treated with Norfloxacin for 28 days with a cure rate in one study of 64 percent.

The less common forms of prostatitis are chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome and asymptomatic prostatitis.

Treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis can be challenging and very difficult. Failures are commonplace. Treatment is the same as with bacterial and can include sitz baths, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), avoiding intake of alcohol or spicy foods. Symptoms may be helped with anticholinergic drugs or alpha-blocking agents. Reassurance that their condition is neither infectious nor contagious and it is not known to cause prostatic cancer or other serious disorders can help with a patient’s mental attitude and sometimes counseling is prescribed or advised.

Treatment for asymptomatic prostatitis can include a 14-day treatment with antibiotics. Treatment is only recommended in patients with chronic asymptomatic prostatitis known to elevate PSA.

Relieving Prostatitis Symptoms

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:18:50 +0000

Just as symptoms vary from one person to another, the ways that symptoms are relieved and treated can also vary.

Here are some general ways prostatitis can be relieved.

Early diagnosis is important. See your healthcare professional at the first sign of symptoms.

Some tips for relieving the symptoms include:

There are a number of “tips” for relieving symptoms of prostatitis. They are especially helpful early on, before antibiotics have a chance to cure infection, or for patients with chronic or non-bacterial prostatitis.

Hot sitz baths: Exposing the perineum to very hot water for 20 minutes or longer often relieves pain. Hot and cold contrast sitz baths can help reduce inflammation.

Ice: When heat does not help, ice packs, or simply placing a small ice cube in the rectum, may relieve pain for hours.

Water: A patient who has to urinate very often may want to cut back on his fluid intake but this will cause dehydration and increase the risk of bladder infection. Instead, it is best to drink plenty of water.

Diet: Most doctors recommend cutting out–or cutting down on–caffeine (as in coffee or tea), alcohol, and spicy or acid foods. Constipation should be avoided because large, hard bowel movements may press on the swollen prostate and cause great pain. Bran cereals and whole-grain breads are helpful.

Exercise: It is especially important for patients with chronic prostatitis to keep up their activity level. Simply walking often will help (unless walking happens to make the pain worse). Consult with your doctor before beginning any strenuous exercise program.

Frequent ejaculation: Ejaculating two or three times a week often is recommended, especially when taking antibiotics.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine also can be effective in treating prostatitis. Nutritional supplements that support the prostate, including zinc, omega-3fatty acids, several amino acids, and anti-inflammatory nutrients and herbs, can help reduce pain and promote healing.

Potential sources of infection should be avoided. Good perineal hygiene should be maintained and sex should be avoided when one’s partner has an active bacterial vaginal infection. If the kidneys, bladder, or other genitourinary organs are infected, prompt treatment may prevent the development of prostatitis. By far the best way of preventing chronic prostatitis is to treat an initial acute episode promptly and effectively.

Learning to recognize when something is not right with your body is important to overall health. Learning about prostatitis is an important step to its treatment. More importantly is seeking early medical help from your doctor or trusted healthcare professional. Symptoms left untreated can lead to more serious symptoms and can prolong the prostatitis. It’s a treatable condition.

General Information about Prostatitis

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:13:04 +0000

Prostatitis may be the symptom-producing disease of the genitourinary tract for which men most often seek medical help. About 40% of visits to a specialist in urinary problems (urologist) are for prostatitis.

Prostatitis is often classified and is treatable.

Forms of prostate inflammation include acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis and inflammation not caused by bacterial infection. A painful condition called prostatodynia, which may be caused by abnormal nerves or muscles in the region, is also thought to be a form of prostatitis. The chronic bacterial form is sometimes experienced by men whose sex partners have a bacterial infection of the vagina, making this a sexually transmitted disease.

Other cases occur when small stones form within the prostate and become infected. Sometimes infection is caused by poor hygiene, surgical procedures, or even swimming in polluted water.

The sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea may sometimes cause prostatitis, and tuberculosis may spread to the prostate. Parasites and fungi may infect the prostate gland. Some men whose prostatitis is not caused by any microorganism have microscopic collections of cells called granulomas in their prostate tissue.

Medical professionals debate whether or not a virus can cause prostatitis.

However the inflammation begins the prostate swells. In acute cases, this swelling can occur very suddenly and can cause considerable pain. When prostatitis develops gradually, trouble with the flow of urine may be the first symptom.

Most often the symptoms and physical findings are enough to form a diagnosis of prostatitis. When the examiner inserts a finger in the rectum, the swollen prostate can be felt; it may be extremely tender when probed. Squeezing the gland slightly will produce a few drops of fluid that may be cultured to learn whether bacteria are present. Many patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis also have recurring urinary tract infections.

Prostatitis is treated first with oral antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics that work against most bacteria are used first. If the bacteria causing the prostatitis have been identified then the doctor can prescribe more specific drugs to treat the prostatitis. In chronic cases, the best results are obtained with a combination of antibiotics treatment. Oral antibiotics should be given for 1-3 months; longer, if necessary. If a fungus or some other organism is causing infection, special drugs are available.

The sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea may sometimes cause prostatitis, and tuberculosis may spread to the prostate. Parasites and fungi may infect the prostate gland.

A person with acute prostatitis may suddenly develop fever and chills, along with rapidly developing urinary symptoms and pain in the perineum or low back. This state is a medical emergency that demands immediate medical help.

A trained healthcare professional should be seen to diagnose prostatitis and rule out the causes and to treat it.

Prostate Health » chronic prostatitis without infection

Prostatitis – Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis

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General Patient Oriented Information about Prostatitis

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Prostatitis – A Correct Diagnosis

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Prostatitis

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A General Overview of Prostatitis

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Relieving Prostatitis Symptoms

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General Information about Prostatitis

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