Prostate Health » Prostatitis

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.

What is the Relationship Between Frequent Urination and Enlarged Prostate

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:09:49 +0000

Only men have a prostate gland, which is found just below the bladder and approximately in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube through which the urine is expelled from the bladder to the outside of the body. The prostate is also involved in providing nutrients to the sperm cells.

If a man is going to experience problems in the urinary tract, it will occur in the prostate.

These problems can be either an enlarged prostate or prostatitis.

There are two levels of prostatitis, either acute or chronic. If someone is suffering from acute prostatitis, he may be experiencing urinating difficulty, pain or burning while urinating, difficulty when trying to go to the bathroom and frequent lower back pain. Often times, there can be pain between the scrotum and rectum, fever, and blood or pus in the urine. Chronic prostatitis symptoms may include frequent and burning urination with blood in the urine, lower back pain, and impotence and as the condition becomes more advanced, urination will become more difficult.

It is estimated that approximately 60% of men over the age of 50 and 75% of men over the age of 70 will experience an enlarged prostate. Hormonal changes, which are associated with aging, start to occur when a man reaches age 50. At that point, his free testosterone levels will decrease while other hormone levels, including prolactin and estradiol will increase. The result is a significant increase in the amount of a potent form of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone, which will form within the prostrate. An overproduction of prostate cells will occur, resulting in an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is not cancerous in and of itself but it can lead to serious problems, such as obstruction of the urethral canal, which interferes with urination and the ability to empty the bladder completely. When this happens, the kidneys may become damaged both by pressure and by substances in the urine.

However, it is important to note that the symptoms for these disorders could also be prostate cancer, so check if you have the following symptoms:

Painful urination, coupled with lower back pain, fever and pelvic pain.
Your frequently feel the urge to urinate but can’t get started.
You repeatedly urinate two or three times a night.

You still feel full after urination.

Natural Treatments for Prostatitis

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:01:47 +0000

Prostatitis has many negative affects on the male reproductive system, especially when the inflammation lasts for a prolonged period of time or becomes chronic. Prostatitis reduces sperm count and stamina during sexual intercourse. Fluid may be continually secreted from the penis. A long-lasting bought with prostatitis may also cause impotence.

Although antibiotics may be needed to clear a severe case of prostatitis, many mild and moderate cases of prostatitis can be treated using natural remedies.

There are several types of prostatitis, and depending on the particular diagnosis, several standard treatments are generally relied upon. These treatments include antibiotics, alpha-blockers, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and surgery to open the blocked ducts in bacterial prostatitis.

Although standard medical treatment is almost always required in bacterial prostatitis, alternative treatments may be just as effective as standard treatments in mild and moderate cases of nonbacterial prostatitis.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables

The key to naturally treating prostatitis is eliminating inflammatory agents from one’s diet, while supplementing the diet with anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Some effective alternative treatments for nonbacterial prostatitis include:

Eating whole, fresh, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, soy, and cold-water fish (such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel). Organic foods will reduce the exposure to pesticides and hormones.
Avoiding dairy products, processed and refined foods, fried foods, caffeine and sugar.
Eliminating foods that your body is overly sensitive to. Although this varies from person to person, many people are sensitive to spicy foods (for example).
Drink a lot of water to help keep your system flushed. It is recommended that you drink 50 percent of your body weight in ounces of water daily. (For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day).
Use medicinal herbs with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, garlic, goldenseal and Echinacea will help to eliminate infection and reduce inflammation.

Supplements provide additional nutritional support. Some supplements may be helpful in treating prostatitis, especially chronic and long-lasting infections. Check with your doctor before using any of the following supplements:

Bromelain – contains proteolytic enzymes which can heighten the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Probiotics – if antibiotics are taken, probiotics replenish the good bacteria found in the intestinal tract.
Quercetin – has anti-inflammatory properties.
Selenium – is an anti-oxidant.
Zinc – vital to prostate health, zinc also prevents infections.
Flaxseed meal
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

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.

Watching Their Diet Important for Prostate Cancer Sufferers

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:29:18 +0000

One such diet that seems to be effective would be a diet low in saturated fat, high in vegetable protein and low in animal protein, including dairy products. It is considered to be a diet that is associated with a substantial increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time and an increase in quality of life. The reason why this is significant is because PSA is used as a marker for prostate cancer; the higher the number becomes, the greater the risk of contracting prostate cancer or prostatitis.

The doubling time is the time that it takes for PSA levels to increase by 100 percent.

Although there is nothing on the market that will prevent prostate cancer, a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and fish can make significant strides toward reducing the risk of contracting the disease. It has been found that a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are the kind found in salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, protect against advanced prostate cancer.

Diet and lifestyle choices play a significant role in everyone’s health and there is no substitute for a diet that is balanced and free of known carcinogens. In addition, supplementing the diet with vitamins and daily exercise is another added layer of protection. A multivitamin such as a B-complex and folic acid should be taken daily; however, avoid supplements with high doses of zinc. The research that has been done has demonstrated that some medications and supplements that had previously been considered steps toward preventing prostate cancer, now do not appear as promising.

No man is immune from contracting prostate cancer or from the probable precursor condition of an enlarged prostate, but the greatest risk categories appear to be men who are older, men with a family history of prostate cancer and black men, all factors that cannot be controlled. Therefore, with this knowledge in place, it is important to be proactive and concentrate on the area that is controllable – diet.

The guidelines are simple but bear repeating. They are:

Don’t overeat. Eat in moderation and maintain calorie count control.
Avoid foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in saturated fats, such as animal fats found in red meat, may pose the greatest risk. Studies have shown that a diet with excess fat, primarily red meat and high-fat dairy, stimulates prostate cancer growth.
Make healthy food choices. Go for whole-grain foods such as brown rice and whole grain breads while limiting sweets and salt intake.
Moderate consumption of alcohol. Moderation means no more than two drinks per day.
Increase amount of fish to your diet, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout. Fish is high in alpha omega-3 fatty acids and should be added to the diet two or three times per week.
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have been linked to a reduced risk of many kinds of cancer. Eating plenty of vegetables may help ward of prostate cancer.

What Kind of Treatment will You undergo for Prostatitis?

admin — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:00:23 +0000

Prostatitis is a disease of the prostate gland. Prostatitis treatments can vary greatly depending on the type of disease.

One of the main causes of prostatitis is bacteria; therefore, a treatment may be as simple as antibiotics.

The diagnosis of acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate that is often caused by some of the same bacteria that cause bladder infections. The signs and symptoms that you have acute prostatitis include: high fever, chills, vomiting, and a general ill feeling.

Therefore, acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics. If you have severe symptoms, you may be hospitalized to receive injections of the drug. After your condition has improved, you will continue with oral antibiotics. The total course of treatment is usually two to four weeks.

Similarly with chronic bacterial prostatitis, it is also treated with antibiotics. The duration of treatment is often longer and may need to be repeated if the infection returns. The symptoms for chronic prostatitis are chronic urinary tract infections. Therefore, you may have symptoms that may come and go.

If you have chronic prostatitis, you may have to take regular medications. These may include alpha blockers or simple pain relievers. Alpha blockers are medications used to bladder and the muscle fibers where your prostate joins your bladder. The medication may lessen symptoms, such as painful urination. Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen may make you more comfortable.

Along with chronic prostatitis, you may experience pelvic pain. This is difficult to treat, as the cause is unclear. However, the goal will be to reduce symptoms such as pain. The doctor may recommend physical therapy, anxiety medications, exercise and stress reduction. A change in diet may also be helpful. This would include avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods, as they may increase your condition.

Another possible treatment is a prostatic massage. This is performed by your doctor using a lubricated, gloved finger. This is similar to a rectal exam. This procedure has been used for years; however, the effectiveness is in dispute.

To date, there are other treatments that are being used on a trial basis. These include heat therapy and natural treatments.

Finally, along with medications and other treatments, it is possible to use home remedies to decrease your symptoms. One possibility is a sitz bath, which uses hot water to relieve pain. On the opposite side would be using ice. You can place ice packs or ice cubes on your rectum and it will relieve pain. And the best remedy is water. It is always important to drink plenty of water. This will decrease your risk of a bladder infection.

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.

What is Non-Bacterial Prostatitis?

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:24:25 +0000

Prostatitis symptoms are most common in men between the ages of 35 and 50 years old. Approximately 10 % of the male population (between the ages of 20 and 74) show symptoms of Prostatitis.

Approximately half of all men will develop symptoms of Prostatitis at some point in their lives

Studies show that patients who have been diagnosed with Prostatitis will have the same mental health affect as patients with diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure.

Non-bacterial Prostatitis may be caused by fastidious organisms, which cannot be cultured routinely from a urinary specimen.

Typically, patients who present with non-bacterial Prostatitis are given a two-week trial of antibiotics. If the patient improves, they are typically advised to continue therapy for four to six more weeks.

Ibuprofen may be used to treat painful symptoms.

Surgery may be an option for some patients.

The patient may also be advised to stay away from certain foods, which are thought to be an irritant to the bladder. This includes alcohol, cranberry juice and cranberries, lemon juice, carbonated beverages like sodas, spicy foods, coffee, acidic foods and chocolate.

Patients are typically advised to steer clear of these potential irritants and to limit to consumption of them one at a time in order to determine if their symptoms will improve. This does not work for all patients.

Experts say that avoiding specific activities will not necessarily improve symptoms. On the other hand, relatively frequent ejaculation may help to improve symptoms. The idea behind this is that it follows natural drainage of secretions from the prostate. Some experts also suggest frequent prostate massage in order to promote relief of tension in the pelvic floor.

If symptoms subside, patients do not need additional follow-up. If symptoms do not go away, a periodic evaluation will be necessary. If the patient is 50 years old or older, he should have routine examinations annually, including a rectal examination and a PSA test.

Patients are typically advised to limit stress in their life as this can exasperate symptoms.

The prostate is an important part of a man’s anatomy. In order for it to work properly, it needs male hormones, known as androgens, which are responsible for the male sex characteristics. The main male hormone is testosterone. Testosterone is produced by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced by the adrenal glands. Dihydrotestosterone regulates the prostate.

Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:28:49 +0000

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.

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

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.

Prostate Health » Prostatitis

Prostatitis – Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis

Suggested Reading

What is the Relationship Between Frequent Urination and Enlarged Prostate

Suggested Reading

Natural Treatments for Prostatitis

Suggested Reading

General Patient Oriented Information about Prostatitis

Suggested Reading

Watching Their Diet Important for Prostate Cancer Sufferers

Suggested Reading

What Kind of Treatment will You undergo for Prostatitis?

Suggested Reading

Prostatitis – A Correct Diagnosis

Suggested Reading

Prostatitis

Suggested Reading

What is Non-Bacterial Prostatitis?

Suggested Reading

Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain

Suggested Reading