
Prostate inflammation
Causes of prostate inflammation
The main causes of prostate inflammation are bacterial infections that enter the prostate either from the blood or through the urethra. Risk factors include urethral strictures, an enlarged prostate, and psychological stress. In many cases, however, the exact cause remains unknown.
Symptoms of prostate inflammation
- Pain in the pelvic area, perineum, lower back, or genitals
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
- Pain during or after ejaculation
- Fever and chills (in acute bacterial prostatitis)
Diagnosis of prostate inflammation.
The diagnosis is made through a detailed medical history and physical examination, including the rectal examination of the prostate. Further diagnostic measures include urine and blood tests to detect inflammatory markers and bacteria. An ultrasound examination can also help assess the prostate and adjacent structures.
Treatment options for prostate inflammation
- **Antibiotics:** Specific antibiotics are administered for bacterial infections.
- **Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs:** To relieve pain and inflammation.
- **Alpha-blockers:** Medications to relax the bladder muscles and improve urine flow.
- **Physiotherapy:** Pelvic floor training and special exercises can help alleviate symptoms.
- **Supportive therapy:** In chronic prostatitis, heat treatments, massages, and supportive psychological care can also be helpful.
Preventive measures for prostate inflammation
Good intimate hygiene, protection against sexually transmitted infections, and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can reduce the risk of prostate inflammation. Regular medical check-ups are also important, especially with a family history or existing urological problems.
Common Patient Questions About Prostate Inflammation (Prostatitis)
Prostatitis is divided into four categories: acute bacterial prostatitis, which occurs suddenly due to an infection; chronic bacterial prostatitis, which is long-lasting; chronic pelvic pain syndrome (non-bacterial prostatitis), which causes pain without detectable infection; and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, where no noticeable symptoms occur.
About 15 percent of men experience prostate inflammation at least once in their lifetime.
Without appropriate treatment, complications such as abscess formation in the prostate, inflammation of the testicles or epididymis, and in rare cases, blood poisoning (sepsis) can occur.
Measures to prevent prostatitis include avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse, treating urinary tract infections, avoiding prolonged sitting on cold surfaces, and strengthening the immune system through a healthy lifestyle.
A chronic prostatitis can impair sperm quality and thus reduce fertility.