Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland that lies between the penis and bladder and produces fluid that mixes with sperm to create the semen.
It can occur at any age but mostly between the ages of 30 and 50.
There are 2 main types of prostatitis:
- Chronic prostatitis – where the symptoms come and go over several months; the most common type
- Acute prostatitis – where the symptoms are severe and come on suddenly; rare, but potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment
Symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Pain around the penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen, or lower back
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Problems starting urination - "stop-start" peeing or urine retention
- Feeling unwell and possibly fever
What causes prostatitis?
Prostatitis is caused by bacteria in the prostate gland that entered from the urinary tract. It can also result from a sexually transmitted infection (e.g. Gonorrhea, chlamydia or HIV) or a urinary tract infection.
Treatment
Treatment for prostatitis depends on whether you have acute or chronic prostatitis. Always go to your medical practitioner immediately. Your medical practitioner may prescribe you other treatment or refer you for further tests depending on your symptoms.
However, treatment may include:
- Antibiotics
- Painkillers
Causes of prostatitis:
Acute prostatitis is usually caused by bacteria in the urinary tract that go into the prostate.
The urinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), and the urethra.
Risk factors:
- Recent urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Recent urinary catheter
- Having had a prostate biopsy
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- HIV or AIDS
- Urinary tract problems
- Injured pelvis
- Anal sex
- Having had prostatitis before
- Old age