This condition is for men, and it is swelling of the prostate. Hence, like others, it is caused by an infection from other parts of the body. When it reaches the prostate, then one can suffer from prostatitis.
1. Statistics
This illness makes 2 million doctor visits every year in the United States. Also, 10 o 12 percent of men developed its signs. It is the most common prostate issue in men ages 50 under. The illness can become acute or chronic.
2. Types
There are different types that men can experience.
Acute Bacterial
As its name implies, it causes by bacteria and signs similar to having flu. It is not a common type of illness.
Chronic Bacterial
If the infection is always happening, then it is chronic. However, some may experience little to no signs at all. It is one of the hardest types to treat.
Pelvic Pain Syndrome
It is the most common type but the hardest one to understand, among others. It is both inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Hence, it depends if the doctors detect cells that fight infection in the urine or semen. Also, the cause is still unknown, and signs can come and go.
Asymptomatic
This case is only known accidentally during an examination for infertility o prostate cancer. This type does not give signs, but the cell that fights infection is there in the urine and semen.
3. Male Organ
Prostatitis can happen in the prostate gland of males. This part looks like the size of a walnut. The main role of it is to produce seminal fluid for the sperm to go to the urethra.
4. Common Signs
Men may feel different prostatitis symptoms. It is according to the type and what causes it. Signs may appear quickly or slowly. The signs may last long or short, depending on the cause and treatment used. The speed and seriousness are common when it is a bacterial type. The following are common signs that one can feel:
- Pain and frequent urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Lower back pain
- Groin pain
- Fever
- Body pain
- Pain during sex
5. Sign for Doctor Call
If you are experiencing the above prostatitis symptoms more often, then see your doctor. Likewise, it is better to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, a doctor may ask you to see a specialist or urologist. Hence, it depends on your reaction to the treatment.
6. Causes of it
Aside from infection from other organs that go down to the prostate, there are other causes. Sexually transmitted organisms can also cause this illness. In chronic cases, it is mostly caused by E. coli.
7. Who is at Risk?
Men at different age brackets can have it. However, it is common for younger and middle-aged males. Also, you are at risk if you:
- have a history of the illness before
- recently get a urinary tract infection
- use catheter
- enlarged prostate
- engaged in anal intercourse
- not getting enough fluid
- trauma at the pelvic area
8. Physical Exam
Doctors are the ones to tell if you have the condition or not. Usually, they will about your signs. Also, they want to know if you have done a urine sample or a rectal exam. Definitely, you will undergo a rectal exam. During it, the doctor will do the following procedures.
- They will insert a finger in your rectum using a glove.
- It will give the feel of the prostate.
- If you have the condition, then the area will feel very tender when touched.
Moreover, you will give another urine sample right after the exam. It will show the doctor if the urine has pus after it was moved.
9. Treatments
Prostatitis treatment differs according to the cause.
Bacteria:
- If this is the cause, then you must take an antibiotic. Hence, one needs to take it for at least 30 days.
- In case of a serious case, you might need to stay inside the hospital for several days.
- A surgery can happen if there is a need to take out the pus.
Other Causes:
This health condition is harder to treat, but prostatitis treatment focuses on managing the signs.
- A doctor can do a massage of the rectum.
- Also, you can sit in a warm bath.
- Another way is to exercise your body and mind.
- Hence, you may take a drug that can help you easily pass stool to decrease the pain.
The last thing that can happen if all possible treatments are tried is surgery. Therefore, it will remove a part of the prostate to solve the problem.
