What is prostatitis?
The prostate is a male sexual gland located at the base of the bladder, at the crossroads of the urinary and genital tract, which is involved in reproduction. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland (gland that produces ejaculatory secretions mixed with semen).
During their lifetime, many men will have a form of prostatitis. It is a condition that can affect men of all ages, but especially men between 30 and 50 years. 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.
What is acute prostatitis?
Acute infectious prostatitis is caused by a bacteria. It is rather rare. It is a sudden onset and requires immediate medical attention to the emergency. Symptoms include the need to urinate frequently, lower abdominal pain, a burning sensation when urinating, chills, and fever. There may also be blood in the urine.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome?
There is a lot often, no triggering factor is found.
What are the risk factors associated with prostatitis?
- Unprotected sex.
- An increase in the size of the prostate.
- Trauma, biopsy or prostate surgery.
- An obstruction of the bladder.
- The passage of a catheter or cystoscope in the urethra.
What are the symptoms of chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome?
The most common signs and symptoms are:
- Pelvic pain or suspubitis
- Perineal pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Pains in the pelvic area when urinating
- Frequent urination (day and night)
- Urgent urgency
- An inability to empty the bladder in full
- Ejaculation pain
- Burning sensation or pain during urination
- Decreased urinary flow
How to diagnose?
- the rectal examination to check the sensitivity and the size of the prostate
- the examination of the abdomen
- a urine test and growing bacteria in the urine
- a blood test and a prostate specific antigen test
- an imaging test using an ultrasound
- Cystoscopy in cases refractory to medical treatment
What are the treatments of chronic prostatis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome?
1- Medical treatments:
- Antibiotics: to treat a bacterial infection - Pain Relief - Alpha-adrenergic antagonists: relax the muscles around the prostate to reduce pressure on the urethra and decrease symptoms affecting urinary flow - Inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase: block the transformation of testosterone in the prostate which reduces its volume. - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
2- Physical treatment:
- Shockwave for chronic prostatitis (link to the new page)
3- Lifestyle changes that can help you:
- To drink a lot of water - Avoid alcohol, soft drinks and caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee, which can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse - Adopt a healthy diet - Take a comfortable sitting position if you have to sit for a long time - Be active to reduce pain - Avoid cycling or any other activity that generates pressure in the perineum that accentuates symptoms - Perform Kegel Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: These muscles help control urination. When you do these exercises, the muscles get stronger and can decrease the urinary symptoms.
4- Treatments to relieve symptoms:
There is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these practices in relieving prostatitis, but many men have seen their condition improve. Prostate massage is done in perineal rehabilitation antidepressants
5- Treatments for sexual problems (Viagra and Cialis)
- Complementary therapies and relaxation techniques - These therapies can have a beneficial effect on your well-being - Acupuncture - Massage Therapy - Reflexology - Aromatherapy - Hypnotherapy - Relaxation techniques
6 These relaxation techniques can help you relax and feel more comfortable:
- Meditation - Yoga - Deep breaths - Hot baths