Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause pain and discomfort in the lower pelvic area, difficulty urinating, and sexual dysfunction.

There are several types of prostatitis, including acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. In this article, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for prostatitis.

Diagnosis of Prostatitis

If you are experiencing symptoms of prostatitis, such as pain in the lower pelvic area, difficulty urinating, or sexual dysfunction, you should see your healthcare provider.

Your provider will perform a physical exam and may also order one or more of the following tests:.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

A digital rectal exam is a procedure in which your provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel your prostate gland.

This exam can help your provider determine if your prostate is enlarged or tender, which may be an indication of prostatitis.

Urine Tests

Your provider may order one or more urine tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation in your urinary tract. These tests may include:.

Urinalysis: This test involves examining a urine sample under a microscope to look for signs of infection or inflammation.
Urine culture: This test involves growing any bacteria present in your urine in a lab to determine the type of bacteria causing your infection and which antibiotics will be most effective in treating it.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This test measures the amount of PSA in your blood. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also be a sign of prostatitis.

Prostate Massage

A prostate massage involves a healthcare provider massaging your prostate gland to release fluid that can be analyzed for signs of infection or inflammation. This test is usually only done for chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Treatment of Prostatitis

The treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis you have. The four types of prostatitis and their treatment options are:.

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate that can cause sudden and severe symptoms. Treatment for acute bacterial prostatitis may include:.

Antibiotics: Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the bacterial infection causing your prostatitis.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help relieve pain and discomfort.
Increased fluid intake: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help flush the bacteria out of your system.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a long-term bacterial infection of the prostate that can cause recurring symptoms. Treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis may include:.

Long-term antibiotic therapy: Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic for several weeks or months to treat the bacterial infection causing your prostatitis.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help relieve pain and discomfort.
Prostate Massage: In some cases, a healthcare provider may perform a prostate massage to help drain fluid from the prostate gland and improve the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a condition characterized by chronic pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. Treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome may include:.

Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help relieve pain and discomfort.
Alpha-blockers: These medications may help relax the muscles in your prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate and relieving pain and discomfort.
Physiotherapy: Some men find relief from chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome through physiotherapy, which may involve exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles or massage of the pelvic area.

Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is a condition in which there are no symptoms of prostatitis, but an inflammation of the prostate is found during a prostate exam for another reason.

Typically, no treatment is needed for asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, but your healthcare provider may recommend regular check-ups to monitor your condition.

Conclusion

Prostatitis is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating, and sexual dysfunction.

If you are experiencing symptoms of prostatitis, it is important to see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis you have, and may include antibiotics, pain relievers, alpha-blockers, physiotherapy, or regular check-ups to monitor your condition.