A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

PROSTATITIS

What is Prostatitis ?

Only men have a prostate gland. It is situated between the bladder and the back-passage (rectum). This is why a doctor can examine it by putting a finger into the back-passage (a rectal examination). The prostate gland makes fluid which is added to the sperm at the time of ejaculation. This fluid flows into the urethra, the urine tube which passes through the centre of the prostate and out to the tip of the penis. The prostate is a gland and, like any other gland, it can become inflamed or infected. This is called prostatitis. Prostatitis causes an ache either in the rectum or behind the scrotum (testicle sac). You may get discomfort when passing urine or during ejaculation. Sometimes prostatitis can cause pain low in the abdomen, just above the base of the penis. In acute types of prostatitis, there may be fever and a flu-like illness.

Why does Prostatitis occur ?

Both sperm fluid (the ejaculate) and urine pass through the prostate. Therefore, a prostate infection can occur by spread of infection from the bladder (cystitis). It can also occur as a result of a sexually transmitted infection (urethritis). In some forms of prostatitis there are no germs. This is called abacterial prostatitis. This is a more difficult condition to treat and tends to become a chronic problem.

Treatment Involved for Prostatitis

The condition is confirmed by blood tests and urine examination. An ultrasound scan may be done so that the doctor can see the size and shape of the prostate gland itself. In an infection caused by the germs which spread from cystitis or urethritis, a long course of antibiotics is necessary. As with other infections, you will need bed rest and a high fluid intake until your temperature settles and the pain and other symptoms subside. The more chronic form of prostatitis is more difficult to treat. Although this may have started with an infection and have similar symptoms, antibiotics are less effective. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, are often helpful. Very rarely, an operation on the prostate is needed.

During Treatment for Prostatitis

Antibiotic treatment may take many days to improve your symptoms. Try not to be impatient, and do not stop the antibiotics until you have finished the complete course, even if your symptoms do get better. The usual course of treatment lasts 4 to 6 weeks. The antibiotics may occasionally cause nausea and a rash. Your doctor needs to be told about this. There may be a discharge from the urethra. This should only last for a few days and you should not be concerned. Sometimes, the inflammation of the prostate causes it to swell and create difficulty in passing urine. The urine flow may cease altogether. This is called urinary retention. Contact your doctor promptly, since you will need to be admitted to hospital. A thin tube called a catheter will have to be passed from the tip of the penis through the urethra into the bladder. In this way the urine can escape.

After Treatment for Prostatitis

There is always a risk that the condition will return. A high fluid intake is a sensible long-term precaution which may reduce this likelihood. Provided antibiotic treatment has been started promptly and a full course completed, there should be no further complications. Prostatitis does not lead to cancer of the prostate gland.

If Prostatitis is Left Untreated

Your symptoms are likely to eventually improve, but more slowly. Complications such as severe swelling would be more likely, with a greater chance of needing admission to hospital. You may be more likely to need operation on the prostate.

Effects on Family of Prostatitis

If the prostatitis started with a sexually transmitted disease (urethritis), intercourse should be avoided during the entire treatment period. This will avoid the infection being passed on to others.