First – The prevalence of prostatitis

In their lifetime, 50% of men will have some form of prostatitis. It is a condition that can affect men of all ages. Prostatitis causes inflammation or infection of the prostate. Prostatitis is not a form of prostate cancer and does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

2. Types of prostatitis

There are basically four main types of prostatitis. Each of these forms has specific causes, symptoms and treatments.

• Type 1: Acute bacterial prostatitis – Most often caused by a bacterial infection, which causes high fever, muscle pain in the thighs, lower back and pelvic region. There may also be a complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention).
• Type 2: Chronic bacterial prostatitis – An infection caused by bacteria that lasts more than three months. Symptoms vary over time (mild or moderate pelvic pain and intermittent episodes of acute urinary tract infection) and are not as serious as acute bacterial prostatitis.
• Type 3: Chronic prostatitis/Chronic pelvic pain (CP/CPP) – Characterized by chronic pelvic pain, urinary or sexual disorders in the absence of urinary tract infection.
• Type 4: Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis – Characterized by inflammation of the prostate. It does not cause symptoms and is generally detected by chance with a prostate biopsy. The causes are unknown.

3. The main risk factors

Men who have suffered from urinary tract infection or inflammation of the urethra in the past are at higher risk of being affected by chronic bacterial prostatitis, while some research has shown a link between high-stress levels and onset or worsening of symptoms of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain (CP/CPD).

• A bacterial infection, most often with E. Coli
• Unprotected sex
• An enlarged prostate
• Trauma, biopsy or prostate surgery
• Bladder obstruction
• Passing a catheter or cystoscope through the urethra

4. Symptoms to watch for

Prostatitis can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary widely from one man to another. If you have any unusual symptoms or if the doctor suspects that you have this type of condition, he may suggest you undergo certain tests.

The most common symptoms are:

• More frequent urination (urinary frequency), especially at night
• A strong or sudden urge to urinate (urinary urgency)
• Difficulty starting or stopping the urine stream (called straining)
• Weak or slow urine stream
• Interrupted urine flow
• Being unable to empty the bladder completely
• Difficulty controlling the bladder (leaks)
• Pain or a burning sensation during urination
• Difficult or painful ejaculation
• Blood in the urine or semen

These symptoms can be associated with:

• Urethral discharge
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Pain or discomfort in the genitals, groin, lower abdomen or lower back
• Pain or feeling of pressure in the rectum
• Painful prostate during digital rectal examination
• Fever and chills (if acute)

5. Prostatitis treatment

Treatments will be offered depending on the type of prostatitis diagnosed and may vary from man to man. The bacterial forms are mainly treated with antibiotics, which allows healing in the majority of cases. We must remain vigilant because prostatitis can, in some cases, become chronic, leading to a recurrence at variable intervals of infections, pain or discomfort.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is difficult to diagnose and treat. As it is supposed to have different causes, a combination therapy seems judicious in addition to detailed investigations.

Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease with our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Above all, do not hesitate. Contact us at 1 855 899-2873 to discuss with a nurse specializing in uro-oncology. It’s simple and free, like all our services.

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Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2019