The Healthy You Is the Better You

Posted on: 29 October 2021

Prostatitis refers to infections and inflammation of the prostate gland, a gland of the male reproductive system, and it is one of the most common reasons people visit urologists. Various causes have been implicated in this disorder and your physician cannot recommend an effective treatment plan until the underlying cause has been identified. While prostatitis is commonly seen in younger individuals, it can develop in elderly people as well. Here are some causes and symptoms of prostatitis. 

Causes

Various bacterial organisms can cause prostatitis. When bacteria is the cause of prostatitis, it is called bacterial prostatitis. The bacterial organisms that are responsible for bacterial prostatitis can also cause bladder infections or other types of urinary tract infections. Escherichia coli is a common type of bacteria that can cause prostate and bladder infections. Bacterial prostatitis can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Once the diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis has been confirmed by the urologist, they will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In addition to bacterial causes, certain injuries of the prostate gland can cause prostatitis, as can certain autoimmune disorders. Sometimes, the cause of prostatitis cannot be pinpointed. This is especially true in cases of chronic prostatitis, or prostatitis that lasts for long periods of time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of prostatitis can vary between individuals and may include frequent nighttime urination, fever, chills, and pain, which can be felt in the prostate gland and abdomen. Furthermore, some people may experience pain in the groin or lower pelvic region, back, and genitals. You may also experience urinary hesitancy and dribbling during a bout of prostatitis, however, once prostate inflammation subsides, the urinary flow should return to normal.

Painful urination, as well as blood in the urine, are other symptoms often associated with prostate gland inflammation. Those who experience blood in the urine, especially if large amounts of blood appear in the urine, should make an appointment with their physicians as soon as possible. While prostatitis may be to blame for urinary bleeding, other, more serious disorders may be the cause of blood in the urine, otherwise known as hematuria. 

If you develop any of the above symptoms of prostatitis, make an appointment with your urologist. While prostate inflammation cannot always be prevented, there are certain interventions you can implement into your daily routine to help lower your risk. These interventions may include drinking plenty of water and limiting your intake of bladder irritants such as caffeinated beverages, alcohol, citrus fruits, and spicy foods. 

For more information, contact a urologist.